By Thomas Thale

DELEGATES representing local government structures across the world yesterday called on national governments and the United Nations to give the local tier of government more resources and more legislative power to enable it to deliver on summit resolutions.

These sentiments were expressed at the Local Government session on Sustainable Development in Sandton. Throughout the proceedings, local government was punted as the sphere of government closest to the people and as the most well positioned to effect service delivery.

In his welcoming remarks, Amos Masondo, the executive mayor of Johannesburg, said the summit would leave a lasting legacy for the city. "In preparation for this summit, we developed infrastructure in many parts of the city and we are confident that this summit will boost the tourism industry," Masondo said.

Mercedes Bresso, member of the Council of Presidents of the World Association of Cities and Local Authorities Coordination (WACLAC), said the United Nations had in the past lumped local government structures with non-governmental organisations. "The United Nations is a family of governments and local government is relegated to the margins. We are not non-government, we are local government!" she exclaimed to much applause. She said it was encouraging that local government now has a representative at the UN, but called on the delegates to continue lobbying the UN for more representation.

Reflecting on the achievements of the past decade, Joan Clos I Matheu, chairperson of the UN Advisory Committee of Local Authorities (UNACLA), said cities had not done too badly in implementing the resolutions taken at the Summit on Sustainable Development held at Rio. "We now need stronger commitment of nations and other institutions to get economic and political means to make actions real," Matheu said.

The accent on delivery was encapsulated in catchy phrases which were echoed throughout the meeting: "Local Government Moves the World", "Think Global Act Local", "From Local Agenda 21 to Local Action Plan".

"Local Government is represented by more than 700 delegates in this summit. The burden to implement the agreements of the summit will, in all likelihood, fall on local governments," Bresso said.

Matheu said local authorities are facing serious challenges to create conditions for economic development, eco-efficient cities, resilient communities and cities with minimal resources. He called on municipalities to cooperate at a city-to-city level.

Reverend Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, chairperson of the South African Local Government Association, expressed hope that the summit will come up with a programme of action to be followed by governments across the globe. "We are the sphere of government closest to the lives of ordinary people.

Mbhazima Shilowa, the premier of Gauteng, said the summit must address not only environmental degradation, water and sanitation issues, but also economic growth and trade. "The west can't continue protecting its markets from competition whilst expecting third world countries to open up."

Masondo concluded the proceedings by urging local governments to ensure that their budgets are designed to ensure sustainability. "National resources must be directed at giving local government the capacity to make ideals real."

A local governments' declaration is to be finalized on Friday.

-- Johannesburg News Agency