Ensure equal access to public service for the vulnerable groups and improve response to their needs in Ozurgeti Municipality. (GEOGT0001)

Commitment ID

GEOGT0001

Commitment Title

Ensure equal access to public service for the vulnerable groups and improve response to their needs in Ozurgeti Municipality.

Problem

The new reality shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic has created considerable difficulties for governments at both central and local levels to conduct their activities effectively. Many states have faced significant challenges in terms of efficient and continuous delivery of public services and adequate response to the population's needs. During the pandemic, it became even more difficult to respond appropriately to the needs of all segments of the population, especially vulnerable groups, and provide them with equal access to public services. Ozurgeti Municipality is no exception in this regard. Although the Ozurgeti Municipality has taken steps to develop public services, the delivery of public services that equally respond to the needs of all segments of the local population and ensure their equal access to public services remains a significant challenge for the municipality.

Status quo

Ozurgeti Municipality has taken steps to develop public services. Nevertheless, responding effectively to the needs of all segments of the local population, especially vulnerable groups, and ensuring their equal access to public services remains a significant challenge for the municipality. This issue gained even more urgency during the pandemic period. In addition, according to the Local Self-Governance Index, available of information about the local services is 38%, the detailed information available here.

Action

In response to the above-mentioned status-quo, Ozurgeti Municipality will:

1. Conduct a comprehensive study on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable groups of the population and the extent to which local government efforts and public services have responded to their needs. The study also covers the access of vulnerable groups to public services.
2. Prepare a detailed analysis assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable groups of the population and the extent to which efforts by local authorities and public services have responded to their needs. Access of vulnerable groups to public services will also be assessed.
3. Develop and approve recommendations to improve access to public services for the vulnerable population and the municipality's response to their needs.

Develop and approve an action plan to implement the approved recommendations for improving the access of the vulnerable population to public services and the response of the municipality to their needs.In addition, the results will be publicly published.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

Through effective implementation of the commitment, Ozurgeti Municipality will improve access of the vulnerable population to public services and the response to their needs. At the same time servicing data analysis capacity of the Municipality will be strengthened. Firstly, it will provide evidence by conducting a comprehensive study to understand the needs of the local population, and secondly the results of the study will be used to improve the services at local level. This will contribute to ensuring access to all persons to public services.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

Ozurgeti is committed to establishing itself as a model in-open government-oriented self-governance. In this regard, the commitment to enhance inclusive, citizen-centered, and transparent public service delivery and improved access to services for the marginalized communities through study the needs of marginalized communities and reflect it to the public service delivery is directly in-line with the long-term strategic objective of the Municipality which is to a) strengthen citizen participation and inclusive decision-making process and b) improve the quality-of-service delivery and ensure equal access to public service for the marginalized communities.

Primary Policy Area

Crisis Response, Inclusion

Primary Sector

Cross-sectoral, Public Services (general)

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?