A common approach to capacity building in local government is to transfer or 'second' skilled workers to the local level. This approach is not an ideal way of strengthening local democratic institutions, as it encourages them to become dependent on personnel from other agencies. However, short-term transfers and secondments can be a useful means of injecting PPP expertise into a municipality for a limited period to assist with specific tasks. Seconding municipal staff to other organisations involved in PPPs enables staff to gain (and bring back) first hand experience.