After Joining COST Infrastructure Transparency Initiative, What's Next?

Transparency and accountability in public infrastructure projects are crucial for fostering trust and ensuring the efficient use of public funds. To address these concerns, some nationals and sub-nationals have joined initiatives like the COST programme. COST aims to enhance transparency, promote accountability, and foster collaboration between government and the citizens they serve. But what happens after an entity joins the COST initiative, what should we expect? 

THERE’S A NEED TO DEFINE CLEAR OBJECTIVES OR SHARE THE ALREADY DEVELOPED ONES WITH CITIZENS. 

Before joining or at least once a member of COST, it's essential to define clear objectives. What specific outcomes do they hope to achieve through this initiative? Whether it's reducing corruption in infrastructure projects, improving project delivery timelines, or enhancing the quality of public assets, having defined goals is crucial for the success of this journey.

ENHANCE DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING

One of the core aspects of transparency is data collection and reporting. The coordinating agency of the initiative should invest in robust systems for collecting and disseminating project information. A good rule of thumb is to have a PROJECT REGISTER. This data should be accessible to the public and regularly updated. Civil society organizations can play a crucial role in verifying and analyzing this data for discrepancies or irregularities. In the absence of the register, the OCDS portal might serve as a good reference until the register is fully constituted. 

IDENTIFY KEY STAKEHOLDERS

For public transparency and accountability to be effective, it should involve multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, citizens, and the private sector. Identifying and engaging all relevant stakeholders is vital to ensure a holistic approach to infrastructure transparency.

ESTABLISH COLLABORATION MECHANISMS

COST is designed to thrive on collaboration. Government need to establish mechanisms for effective cooperation among stakeholders.  Platforms like the OGP have proven to be very effective mechanisms for driving the COST initiative. This might involve regular meetings, the sharing of information, or even the development of joint monitoring tools and platforms. Examples include Sekondi-Takoradi, Malawi, Uganda and Mozambique. 

PROMOTE CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT

Empowering citizens to engage with infrastructure projects is a cornerstone of transparency. Encouraging public participation through town hall meetings, surveys, and feedback through accountability mechanisms can help ensure that projects align with the actual needs of the people.

ENSURE LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND ENFORCEMENT AND IMPLEMENT OVERSIGHT MECHANISMS

Transparency initiatives require a solid legal framework to operate effectively. Laws and regulations should support the disclosure of project information, protection of whistleblowers, and consequences for those engaged in corrupt practices. Enforcement of these regulations is equally critical. The COST programmes should involve oversight committees or bodies responsible for monitoring infrastructure projects. These bodies are expected to be impartial, well-trained, and adequately resourced. Their role is to investigate and report on any irregularities or issues within the projects.

EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY

Modern technology can greatly enhance transparency. Governments should invest in digital tools and platforms that facilitate data sharing, project tracking, and reporting. These technologies can make information more accessible to the public and improve accountability.

MONITOR PROGRESS AND ADAPT

Regularly monitoring the progress of the transparency initiative is essential. This includes evaluating whether objectives are being met, assessing the effectiveness of collaboration mechanisms, and making necessary adjustments based on lessons learned.

Joining the COST infrastructure transparency programme is a significant step towards improving governance and accountability in public infrastructure projects. However, the journey does not end there. To truly reap the benefits of such initiatives, states and regions must commit to ongoing efforts to define objectives, engage stakeholders, enhance data collection, promote citizen engagement, and ensure legal enforcement. Only through continuous dedication and vigilance can we achieve the goal of transparent and accountable infrastructure development for the benefit of all.

In a game-changing move, Kaduna has emerged as the frontrunner in the race for transparent infrastructure development. With a staggering inventory of more than 1,000 infrastructure contracts, meticulously catalogued on its OCDS portal, all eyes are now laser-focused on Kaduna. The stage is set for a swift and dynamic implementation of the groundbreaking COST initiative. Get ready to witness a transformation like never before!