to return to their old places if they desire to do so. Those who chose not to participate in the commune development program face no discrimination in access to services or otherwise. The government recognizes the challenges, particularly at the beginning of the program, in the delivery of infrastructure and services on time and to the required standard at some of the CDP sites. These arose mainly from circumstance of limited delivery capacity and access to infrastructure in these areas. The regional and local governments as well as the communities have learnt lessons from their experiences. In addition, as a result, the delivery capacities of local authorities and of the private sector have significantly improved. The government is now in a better position to ensure better sequencing and delivery of basic services and infrastructure and ensure access and standard of services and infrastructure are satisfactory. The Government will continue to work to improve delivery in the CDP areas. Early indicators of the outcomes of the CDP show encouraging results. The program is strengthening organized local accountability systems and giving more voice to communities in the governance of their local affairs, as well as creating more fertile ground for direct community participation, strengthened rule of law, and a deepening of good governance and democratization processes. These improvements are of course in addition to the obvious gains in access to services, infrastructure, human development and local economic changes. These development dynamics have become triggering factors for subsequent improved quality of services and infrastructures. The investment in basic services and facilities is significantly improving the welfare and productive employment of women. In addition, extension services of improved agricultural and livestock practices, market links and access to information are improving over time paving the way for sustainably improved standard of living in the communities. Peace and stability have been enhanced further in the CDP areas. These accrue to everybody but the most obvious beneficiaries are children and women. It should be added that the encouraging early outcome of the policy will not in any way divert the government‟s attention away from continuing with efforts to ensure the observance the constitutional provisions as well as key principles and objectives of various government policies and strategies in CDP. 114