GIS-based evaluation of public facility provision to achieve improved governance and equitable service delivery

Abstract

The use of a GIS-based methodology – Service Access Planning - for assessing service provision and developing facility plans in South Africa to improve governance and equitable service delivery is described. A case study of library investment for eThekwini municipality is used to illustrate the methodology. The South African constitution requires that every citizen be granted access to basic services. In this context it has become a legislated requirement that local authorities in South Africa prepare Integrated Development Plans and develop performance management systems in order to promote development and deliver services effectively. Reporting requirements flowing from this occur in an environment full of pressures relating to insufficient financial and human resources to deal with the quantum of the development challenge, competing political and administrative priorities, and the need to maintain existing infrastructure and at the same time to extend infrastructure into new areas.