Method

The monitoring questionnaires

Questionnaires built on Congolese law: six on the budget of each entity, and eight for infrastructure projects — the building site, then the type (school, health centre, road, water, market, electricity, public building).

Every report published on GovCheck is based on one of these questionnaires, drafted by local governance experts from the laws on decentralisation and public finance. Each question is answered « Yes », « Partly », « No » or « Don’t know », backed by a note and evidence. The resulting scores (0 to 100) feed into the indices.

11 questions · Budget of the ETD

Taking part in preparing the budget

Were citizens involved in preparing the budget: public hearings, participation of women and young people, priorities taken on board, a public vote on schedule?

Organic law 08/016 (budget adopted by the councils); LOFIP 11/011 (budget calendar).

  1. 1Was the budget calendar for the year made public?
  2. 2Were public consultations (budget hearings) held before the draft budget was adopted?
  3. 3Were the consultations announced publicly at least 7 days in advance (town criers, radio, posters, churches)?
  4. 4Did the consultations cover all the neighbourhoods / groupings of the ETD?
  5. 5Were women at least 30% of the participants?
  6. 6Were young people and people living with a disability specially included?
  7. 7Were the priorities voiced by citizens written down in minutes that people can see?
  8. 8Was there a public feedback meeting explaining which priorities were kept and why?
  9. 9Are the priorities kept in the voted budget (lines you can identify)?
  10. 10Were the council's debate and vote on the budget open to the public?
  11. 11Was the budget voted on time (before the start of the budget year)?

6 questions · Budget of the ETD

Transparency and access to information

Are the budget, execution reports, administrative account and public contracts published and easy to access?

LOFIP 11/011 (transparency); law 10/010 (publication of contracts).

  1. 1Is the voted budget (edict / decision) published (notice board, website, radio)?
  2. 2Is a simple citizens' budget available in the local language?
  3. 3Are spending reports (at least every six months) published?
  4. 4Is the administrative account of the previous budget year published?
  5. 5Are the ETD's tender notices and contract awards published?
  6. 6Can a citizen get these documents on request, free of charge, within a reasonable time?

6 questions · Budget of the ETD

Revenue

Is the revenue transfer received and made public? Are local taxes displayed and receipts issued, with no illegal levies?

Constitution, art. 175 (40 % of national revenue retained by the Provinces); organic law 08/016 (the ETDs’ share).

  1. 1Has the transfer (share of national / provincial revenue) been received?Write the amount and dates in the note.
  2. 2Is the amount received published, and does it match the amount expected?
  3. 3Are the rates of local taxes and fees posted up publicly?
  4. 4Is an official receipt given for every tax payment?
  5. 5Is the money collected paid into the ETD's bank account (no cash collected without a trace)?
  6. 6Have illegal charges or harassment been seen?Reverse question: « Yes » flags a problem.

6 questions · Budget of the ETD

Budget spending

Does spending follow the adopted budget lines? Do contracts comply with the law? Are payments made on time?

LOFIP 11/011 (expenditure chain, credit transfers); law 10/010 (procurement).

  1. 1Has at least 50% of the investment budget been spent by the middle of the budget year?Write the amounts in the note.
  2. 2Does the money spent match the budget lines voted (no spending outside the budget)?
  3. 3Were changes to the budget (transfers, supplementary budgets) approved by the council?
  4. 4Do running costs stay within the planned limits (without squeezing out investment)?
  5. 5Were the ETD's contracts awarded through a call for tenders when the law requires it?
  6. 6Are suppliers and companies paid on time?

8 questions · Project visit

Monitoring an investment project

Site visit: does the project exist, is work progressing, is the quality acceptable and is it being used? Geotagged photos are required.

Investment lines of the adopted budget; contract and site signboard.

  1. 1Does the project really exist at the place given?
  2. 2Does a site board show the cost, the company, the source of funding and the deadlines?
  3. 3Is the work progressing on schedule?Write the progress in % in the note.
  4. 4Does the quality of the work and materials look right? (observations, photos)
  5. 5Does the finished work function and do people use it?
  6. 6Were people informed and consulted about the project?
  7. 7Are there complaints from neighbours or users?Reverse question: « Yes » flags a problem.
  8. 8Were local workers hired?

6 questions · Budget of the ETD

Oversight and accountability

Has the administrative account been adopted? Is the entity audited, does it have an anti-fraud and anti-corruption body, and do complaints get a response?

LOFIP 11/011 (accountability); Court of Auditors, General Inspectorate of Finance.

  1. 1Did the council vote the administrative account of the previous budget year?
  2. 2Has the ETD been audited or inspected (Court of Auditors, IGF, provincial inspection) in the last two budget years?
  3. 3Have the recommendations of these audits been acted on?
  4. 4Is there an easy way to make a complaint (box, phone number, office)?
  5. 5Do complaints received get a public answer?
  6. 6Does the entity have an agency or body in charge of fighting fraud and corruption (anti-corruption unit, inspection, ethics committee)?

14 questions · Project visit

Building-site monitoring

On every building site: contract and bill of quantities shown, site board, materials, safety, payments and signs of corruption.

Law 10/010 on public procurement; contract and bill of quantities.

  1. 1Have the bill of quantities and the contract of the project been shared with the monitoring committee or posted up?
  2. 2Has a community management or monitoring committee been set up for the project?
  3. 3Does the site board show the project owner, the company, the cost, the funding and the deadlines?
  4. 4Are the materials used of the type and quality planned in the bill of quantities?
  5. 5Do the quantities of materials on site match the progress of the works?
  6. 6Are the materials stored safely, protected from bad weather and theft?
  7. 7Are there signs of theft, diversion or misuse of materials?Reverse question: « Yes » flags a problem.
  8. 8Do the workers have protective equipment (helmets, shoes, gloves)?
  9. 9Is the site fenced or made safe to protect people, especially children?
  10. 10Are the works damaging the environment (erosion, waste, trees cut down)?Reverse question: « Yes » flags a problem.
  11. 11Do the workers or the company complain about late payments?Reverse question: « Yes » flags a problem.
  12. 12Have the works been stopped or delayed with no public explanation?Reverse question: « Yes » flags a problem.
  13. 13Will people living with a disability be able to use the finished work?
  14. 14Have you seen signs of corruption (bribes, overbilling, fake company)?Reverse question: « Yes » flags a problem.

8 questions · Project visit

School

Classrooms, separate latrines for girls and boys, furniture, access for pupils with disabilities, parents’ committee.

School building standards of the Ministry of Education; contract.

  1. 1Does the number of classrooms built or repaired match the contract?
  2. 2Do the classrooms meet school standards for size, light and fresh air?
  3. 3Are the roof, walls and floor of good quality, with no cracks or leaks?
  4. 4Have separate latrines for girls and boys, with a water point, been built?
  5. 5Has the planned furniture (benches, blackboards, desk) been delivered in sufficient number and quality?
  6. 6Is there a ramp or suitable access for pupils living with a disability?
  7. 7Has the parents' committee (COPA) or the management board been involved in monitoring the works?
  8. 8Do pupils use the school once the works are finished?

8 questions · Project visit

Health centre

Rooms built, water and electricity, medical waste, equipment, health committee (CODESA), staff in place.

Health facility standards of the Ministry of Public Health; contract.

  1. 1Have the rooms planned in the contract (consultation, maternity, pharmacy, wards) been built?
  2. 2Does the building have access to drinking water?
  3. 3Does the building have electricity or another source of energy (solar, generator)?
  4. 4Are latrines and a way of handling medical waste (incinerator, pit) in place?
  5. 5Has the planned medical equipment been delivered and installed?
  6. 6Is access suitable for people living with a disability and for pregnant women?
  7. 7Has the health area development committee (CODESA) been involved in monitoring?
  8. 8Does the facility work with staff once the works are finished?

8 questions · Project visit

Road and bridge

Length and width, road surface, drainage, culverts and bridges, road safety, compensation of residents, maintenance.

Technical specifications of the road works; contract and bill of quantities.

  1. 1Do the length and width of the road built match the contract?
  2. 2Is the road surface (laterite, paving, tarmac) as planned and free of potholes?
  3. 3Have drainage ditches and gutters been built, and are they clear?
  4. 4Are the crossings (culverts, pipes, bridges) in good condition and the right size?
  5. 5Are road signs and safety measures (signs, speed bumps near schools) in place?
  6. 6Were residents affected by the works informed and, where needed, compensated?
  7. 7Is road maintenance organised (road workers, maintenance committee)?
  8. 8Can the road be used in the rainy season?

8 questions · Project visit

Water and sanitation

Water points built, water available and tested, no leaks, management committee with women, price displayed.

Water law 15/026; contract.

  1. 1Has the planned number of water points (public taps, boreholes, protected springs) been built?
  2. 2Is there water at the time of the visit?
  3. 3Has the water quality been tested and the results shared?
  4. 4Are the structures (tank, pipes, pump) in good condition, with no leaks?
  5. 5Is there a committee managing the water point, with women among its members?
  6. 6If water is paid for, is the price posted up and accepted by the community?
  7. 7Can people living with a disability use the water point?
  8. 8Does it work all year round?

7 questions · Project visit

Market

Stalls built, fair allocation of places, fees displayed, latrines and waste collection, traders consulted.

Local decisions on markets and fees; contract.

  1. 1Has the planned number of stalls, shops and sheds been built?
  2. 2Were places given to traders in a transparent way?
  3. 3Are the market rents and taxes posted up?
  4. 4Are latrines, a water point and waste collection in place?
  5. 5Do the roof and drainage protect traders from the rain?
  6. 6Were traders, especially women, consulted on the design of the market?
  7. 7Is the market used once the works are finished?

7 questions · Project visit

Electricity and energy

Poles, street lights or solar panels installed and working, safe wiring, connections, tariffs displayed, maintenance.

Electricity law 14/011; contract.

  1. 1Has the planned number of poles, street lights or solar panels been installed?
  2. 2Do the installations work at the time of the visit?
  3. 3Are the cables and equipment installed safely, out of people's reach?
  4. 4Are the planned homes or public buildings really connected?
  5. 5Are the prices for connection and use posted up?
  6. 6Is maintenance planned (technician, contract, committee)?
  7. 7Are the installations protected against theft and vandalism?

7 questions · Project visit

Public building

Building as planned, quality of roof and walls, water and power, latrines, accessibility, furniture, actual use.

Contract, plans and bill of quantities.

  1. 1Does the building match the plans and the contract (number of rooms, floor area)?
  2. 2Are the roof, walls, doors and windows of good quality, with no cracks or leaks?
  3. 3Is the building connected to water and electricity, or does it have another solution?
  4. 4Have latrines been built?
  5. 5Can people living with a disability get into the building?
  6. 6Have the planned furniture and equipment been delivered?
  7. 7Is the building used for what it was built for?

17 questions · Budget of the ETD

Diagnostic institutionnel

Self-assessment of the entity, scored from 1 to 5: response to residents, premises and equipment, organisation and digitisation, ethics and alert mechanisms, budget, continuity plan.

Institutional diagnosis guide of the Office of the Governor of South Kivu (October 2026); organic law 08/016.

  1. 1Les demandes et correspondances des habitants sont-elles enregistrées et comptées ?Indiquez en note le nombre reçu par mois et la source (registre du courrier, GovCheck).
  2. 2Délai moyen de traitement d’un dossierIndiquez le délai en jours en note. 5 : 2 jours ou moins · 4 : 5 jours ou moins · 3 : 10 jours ou moins · 2 : 30 jours ou moins · 1 : plus de 30 jours.
  3. 3Un registre des plaintes est-il tenu à jour, avec la suite donnée à chaque plainte ?Indiquez en note le nombre de plaintes enregistrées sur l’année.
  4. 4L’offre de services répond-elle à la demande des habitants ?5 : la demande est couverte partout · 3 : couverte en partie, avec des goulots d’étranglement connus · 1 : la plupart des demandes restent sans réponse. Décrivez les goulots en note.
  5. 5État des locaux : sécurité, salubrité et accessibilité aux personnes à mobilité réduite5 : bâtiments modernes et accessibles · 3 : fonctionnels mais à rafraîchir · 1 : dangereux ou insalubres. Joignez des photos.
  6. 6Équipement informatique et connexion internet5 : parc récent et réseau stable · 3 : équipements hétérogènes, connexion irrégulière · 1 : pas d’ordinateur ni de connexion.
  7. 7Les textes d’organisation (organigramme, attributions, manuel de procédures) sont-ils à jour et appliqués ?Citez les textes consultés en note.
  8. 8Part des procédures clés numériséesIndiquez le pourcentage en note. 5 : 80 % ou plus · 4 : 50 % ou plus · 3 : 25 % ou plus · 2 : 10 % ou plus · 1 : moins de 10 %.
  9. 9Archivage : plan de classement et gestion électronique des documents5 : archivage numérique sécurisé · 3 : plan de classement sur papier · 1 : pas de plan, risque de perte des archives.
  10. 10Le code de déontologie est-il diffusé et appliqué ?Indiquez en note le degré d’application et la preuve (affichage, formations, sanctions).
  11. 11Un dispositif d’alerte et de traitement des signalements fonctionne-t-il ?Boîte à suggestions, numéro, cellule, GovCheck : précisez en note, avec le nombre de signalements traités.
  12. 12Les services, tarifs et procédures sont-ils publiés pour les habitants ?Affichage, site, radio, GovCheck : précisez en note.
  13. 13Le budget de l’exercice est-il voté et publié ?Indiquez en note l’exercice et le lien ou le lieu de publication.
  14. 14Taux d’exécution du budget d’investissementIndiquez le taux en note. 5 : 95 % ou plus · 4 : 85 % ou plus · 3 : 50 % ou plus · 2 : 40 % ou plus · 1 : moins de 40 %.
  15. 15Régularité des transferts et de la rétrocessionIndiquez le retard moyen en note. 5 : aucun retard · 4 : moins d’un mois · 3 : 1 à 3 mois · 2 : 3 à 6 mois · 1 : plus de 6 mois.
  16. 16Existe-t-il un plan de continuité d’activité ou un plan de contingence (crise, catastrophe naturelle) ?
  17. 17Existe-t-il une cartographie à jour des risques institutionnels, financiers et opérationnels ?

8 questions · Project visit

Survey of direct beneficiaries

Interviews of the people the project is meant to serve: need, consultation, usefulness, who to contact, money asked for, quality, satisfaction.

Right of citizens to take part in local management (organic law 08/016).

  1. 1Does this project meet a real need of your neighbourhood or village?
  2. 2Were you consulted before this project or its location was chosen?
  3. 3Is this project useful to you, or will it be once it is finished?
  4. 4Do you know who is carrying out this project (company, service of the entity)?
  5. 5Do you know whom to contact if there is a problem with this project?
  6. 6Were you asked for money or a gift to benefit from this project or to work on it?Reverse question: « Yes » flags a problem.
  7. 7Is the service provided (classes, care, water, road, market…) of good quality?
  8. 8Overall, are you satisfied with this project?

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