ISLAMABAD, Jan 5: The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has signed an agreement with the UNDP for $2 million contribution towards the implementation of governance reform programme in the NWFP.

The SDC Country Director Kathy Schneitter and UNDP Resident Representative Onder Yucer inked the agreement here on Wednesday. The contribution will be finalized during the second phase of the NWFP Essential Institutional Reforms Programme which will facilitate the design and implementation of the devolution framework at provincial and district levels.

The first phase, which lasted from February 2001 to December 2004, has enhanced the quality and transparency of decision making at provincial and district levels.

The second phase, beginning from January for a period of three years, will focus on enhancing the capacity, transparency and accountability within the local governments throughout the province and will place special emphasis on the district and sub- district authorities.

The project has been designed in coordination with other ongoing donor programmes that support the implementation of devolution in the province, particularly the Asian Development Bank backed Devolution Support programme.

The project will also aim at making public services, particularly the justice system, more accessible and responsive to the masses, particularly women and children.