| GENERAL INFORMATION ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT |
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From the central government the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is responsible for general steering of the second tier of government in Tuvalu; local government. The structure of local government corresponds with the geographical divisions of Tuvalu. The country consists out of nine islands/ districts. All islands have separate local government jurisdiction in which island councils or falekaupule may operate. The uninhabited island of Niulakita is the only exception as it is governed by a nearby inhabited island. Island councils are responsible for general maintenance of infrastructure and public services. Health, education and agriculture are areas of joint responsibility between national and local government. The island councils are formed through elections held every four years. Most recently elections were held in 2007 and are once again due in the second half of 2011. The island councils are also partly formed according to local traditions. Village high- (ulu aliki) and sub-chiefs (alikis) also get a position in the council alongside elected individuals. Family and local village structures play a pivotal role in the local government structure on Tuvalu.
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Although in practice the islands have a high degree of autonomy, local government is not enshrined in the Tuvalu Constitution. The principal Act that provides the legal framework for local government in Tuvalu is the Falekaupule Act 1997, which sets out a national strategy for the development of the outer islands through the devolution and decentralization of governmental functions to local governments. The Act also recognizes the prominence of the falekaupule; traditional assemblies composed in accordance with the customs and usages of each island. The Act also specifies the height of the contributions that go from central government to the falekaupule and how and when the island councils have to submit reports on progress and project implementation.
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This legal framework has provided several opportunities for localities to implement several development projects such as the improvement of local agriculture and infrastructures. Also in the wake of the decentralization efforts made by national government starting in 1997 the government initiated an Island Development Program funded by the Asian Development Bank in 2003. These projects in turn have generated some income for the inhabitants of the islands. However transport and communication issues remain obstacles, limiting the effectiveness of service delivery and opportunities for development. In order to strengthen the capabilities of the remote outer islands to successful govern themselves the Tuvalu government in cooperation with the New Zealand government has initiated Local Government Support for Outer Island Development program in 2009.
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Local Government Associations
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More information will follow.
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National Local Government Partners
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Ministry of Local Government, Women and Youth
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Regional Local Government Representation
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More information will follow.
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DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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