Integrity pacts in the water sector 4 Implementation
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Public hearings can be open, semi-public or targeted: » Open hearings: anyone interested can participate » Semi-open: certain participants are invited, but the hearing is still open to people not invited but interested » Targeted: only invited participants are allowed, but the results are either made public or shared with other non-attendees who could be interested. Private or confidential meetings are not an option here, as they do not entail a participatory or information-sharing component. During the stages prior to the bidding process, public hearings can be used: » As mentioned in the previous section, to facilitate citizen and stakeholder input into the decisionmaking process of the project as a whole. Open public hearings that enable the participation of all are the best option, and are particularly useful for facilitating project communication and participation, and ensuring input from various stakeholders (including bidders, communities and possible project beneficiaries). » To facilitate expert and stakeholder input into the contracting process preparation stage. For this purpose either open public hearings or more targeted, semi-open meetings can be used, with the same goals as open hearings, and the invitations ensuring that specific target groups participate. » During the drafting of the bidding documents, to ensure their accuracy and fairness. All three options can be useful: open, semi-open or targeted hearings. They help detect and prevent corruption in the early stages of the project cycle and the contractual process, where particular project designs or specifications could be made to favour a particular bidder. The participation of as many potential bidders as possible could help bring this to light.
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For more on public hearings, visit TI-Argentina’s website which has detail on its wide experience in implementing them. (www.poderciudadano.org.ar)
Public hearings require preparation and enough time to allow possible participants to attend. Be clear to the participants about their purpose, so as not to generate false expectations. If organisers claim project documents will be changed according to attendees’ input, they must be consistent in implementing this; otherwise they lose legitimacy and effectiveness.
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Some people are wary of public hearings, as discussions may be difficult to moderate and managing them can be tricky. Include an expert moderator or someone skilled in managing discussions to address this.
EXAMPLE 7 Other ways of facilitating participation, accountability and involvement In many European countries, it is a requirement that plans be publicly discussed ahead of a major project. The project design and plans are made accessible in a public office and may also be available via the Internet. Affected and nonaffected people are invited to scrutinise them and submit comments and concerns. If necessary later in the process, such discussions could be complemented by public hearings.
» To explain and discuss the IP, the monitoring system and its implementation with potential bidders and stakeholders. This helps the communication process for the IP itself, creates buy-in and helps clarify concerns. Any type of public hearing can be used. These sessions can be repeated throughout the project if more contracting processes are due to contain an IP.
Water Integrity Network & Transparency International 2010