Decentralization taken in 2002 at commune levels has brought with hope of local democracy and development. Elected commune councilors between 5 to 11 members in all 1,621 communes shall have to work in old commune offices. The offices were not equipped with new materials and lack of tables, and chairs. The old offices had made difficulties for CCs to fulfill their works as mandated in the law on administration management of communes/sangkats.

Asian Development Bank and stakeholders worked together to build new Khmer-styled offices for CCs throughout Cambodia. However, not all communes get the new office building. Local voters can not see the offices at some other communes in Phnom Penh, cities and remote areas. The new offices were equipped with tables, chairs, meeting rooms, etc. CCs were proud with the building and could have proper place for working. Documentation and working environment are better. But, at the meantime, the old offices are still operating as normal. There is not yet evidence to show work efficiency gained from new office buildings.

To some degrees, I agree that the new office has motivated councilors and CC staff work or work harder. But I do not see there is much different from the old and the new office. It is mostly according to levels of commitment and capacity of councilors. I still see that some new commune offices still close door in afternoon, like the commune offices with old building. Some CCs still work hard though their offices are old. The CCs which were active and strong are still strong and active, though they get the new buildings.

Though I can not see the efficiency gained from the new building, I can assume that all CCs wish to get the new building and would confirm that the new building will make them work more efficient. In the future, all communes will get new building.