Developing a Transparency and Integrity Framework for the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia

Projects | Completed Projects 21 March 2016

GOOD GOVERNANCE INITIATIVE (GGI) IN GEORGIA

Project Title:Developing a Transparency and Integrity Framework for the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia
Project Funding: Tetra Tech ARD, USAID/Good Governance Initiative in Georgia
Project Code: GGI-G-006
Total Budget: $ 52 351,52 (GEL 129,376.30)
Project Duration: March 9, 2016 – December 8, 2016

Project Description

Transparency, financial accountability, public engagement and access to public information are key principles that should be guiding every public institution. The Georgian public service system has seen a swift change from virtually absent public integrity to a system that guarantees a certain level of accountability of public institutions. Despite of a functioning institutional mechanism for the prevention of corruption, the progress still greatly depends on the individual effort of the institution and its management.

An effective and targeted effort to prevent corruption and increase accountability is based on several core areas:

• Transparency

• Effectiveness of the institutional framework

• Access to public information

• Evidence-based policy planning

• Fiscal accountability

• Public oversight

• E-governance

The Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) aims to create an independent anti-corruption and transparency framework for the Ministry of Regional Development and infrastructure (MRDI) and incorporate the framework into the national anti-corruption system.

Goals of the Project

Main goals of the project are:

• To identify existing risks of corruption at MRDI through a comprehensive situation analysis.

• To create a working group tasked with the development of an internal anti-corruption policy document.

• Develop an Anti-Corruption and Integrity Strategic Document for the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure

• Develop indicators that will guarantee successful monitoring of the achieved progress.

• Advocate for the formal adoption of the document and its incorporation into the general anti-corruption framework.

• Improve access to public information for further cultivation of public engagement.

Planned Activities within the Framework of the Project:

• Conduct individual interviews with major stakeholders at MRDI, its subordinate agencies and third parties, on corruption, existing procurement practices, procedures related to spending and implementation of infrastructural projects.

• Study internal audit reports and recommendations of the State Audit Office and monitor areas relevant for anti-corruption. Analyze international best practices with regard to corruption in infrastructural projects and large public spending.

• Carry out a detailed situation analysis on existing practices of transparency, accountability and access to public information in MRDI. Identify potential corruption risks, procedural flaws and the implementation of the current legal framework.

• Establish a working group composed of representatives from MRDI, its subordinate agencies and IDFI. The working group will be in charge of developing the MRDI anti-corruption strategy and its action plan for 2016-2017.

• Organize workshops and round table involving exerts of the field.

• Develop output and outcome indicators for the monitoring of implementation of the action plan.

• Develop the strategy and action plan on the prevention of corruption inside MRDI and its subordinate agencies. Following the adoption of the final document and the consultation with other Civil Society Organizations, IDFI will advocate for the adoption of the document as an internal regulation.

• Publication of the document and training of MRDI employees is another important phase of the project. It is vital that MRDI staff sees the document as a guideline for the prevention of corruption.

• Facilitating public engagement in the threats of corruption is another important phase of the project. Public interest can be mobilized through a transparent and effective system of disclosing public information. IDFI will issue individual recommendations on access to public information and proactive disclosure of public information, as well as advocate for a general improvement of the freedom of information environment through the adoption of the Freedom of Information Act.