The following development issues were identified and prioritised at several stakeholders meetings organised at both the Area councils and the district level under the various thematic areas. Factors that were considered included the impact of the issue on a large proportion of the population especially the poor and the vulnerable and the multiplier effect of the issue on the local economy.

Development goals

The process of formulation of South Tongue District Development Focus, Goals, Objectives and Formation of strategies were undertaken as a collaborative effort with the communities in the district, the District Assembly and the Technical Planning Team with the aim of ensuring that the goals are not at variance with the aspirations of the people in the district.

The District is determined to accelerate the growth of its local economy and improve the standard of living of the people. The previous development plan put emphasis on the provision of social infrastructure. Although the current plan will improve social infrastructure, it will vigorously emphasis on wealth creation and poverty reduction programmes and projects.

The Medium Term Development Plan has been infused with the Millennium Development Goals and other gender issues and focuses on strategies and programmes related to private sector led growth, vigorous human resource development, good governance and civic responsibility that are necessary to generate accelerated economic development in the district.

The Development Focus of South Tongu District, which has been set within the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy, is to:
Achieve accelerated and sustainable economic growth, improvement of social infrastructure, poverty reduction, promotion of gender equity, protection and empowerment of the vulnerable and excluded within a decentralised democratic environment.

 Project monitoring and evaluation

The effectiveness of policies, programmes and projects is achieved by monitoring objectively verifiable indicators. At the district level, the activities of monitoring and evaluation are the responsibilities of:-

• The District Planning Coordinating Unit (DPCU),
• The Sub Committees and
• District Sectoral Departments.

The Area Councils, Development Associations, Chiefs etc should take part in monitoring projects. The DPCU is responsible specifically for the preparation of monitoring and evaluation procedures and the monitoring of the plan. It is required to provide an oversight over all district level monitoring and evaluation of projects. To supplement this effort at the district level, the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) and Regional Planning Coordinating Unit (RPCU) shall provide a general overview of the monitoring and evaluation work.

Monitoring Report

Project Monitoring formally begins as soon as actual implementation of a project starts, and it is directed at ensuring progress according to schedule, standard quality of work, and the correct delivery of inputs (including labour) according to time, quality and quantity. The Monitoring Report shall be prepared according to the following format (NDPC, 1995) Programme And Project Monitoring Report.

A.    Project Identification
A1.    Project Title   
A2.    Project Code No   
A3    Project Location   
A4    Implementing Agency   
A5.    Monitoring Agency (s)   
A6    Date of Monitoring   

B.    Programme/Project Implementation Monitoring

Comments on variation between Planned and Actual Programme/Project Expenditure.

The Evaluation Report

Unlike Monitoring, Evaluation is conducted in grater detail at the project level. Ex-post facto Evaluation is carried out purposely to assess whether the resources invested have produced or are producing the desired results in terms of outputs and benefits and whether the benefits are reaching the intended target population. The first ex-post facto Evaluation should be conducted by district one year after project completion when its impact should be evident.