CAY HILL:--- The Integrity Chamber concluded its investigation into the issuance of bus and taxi licenses by the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic & Telecommunication (TEATT). The investigation was initiated in response to public concerns and media reports suggesting potential irregularities in the license issuance process in 2023. The investigation aimed to determine whether the legislative framework governing public transportation was adhered to, and if a lack of compliance with the legislative framework led to misconduct during the issuance of bus and taxi licenses within the Ministry of TEATT.
The investigation revealed a lack of compliance with the legislative framework in the issuance of bus and taxi licenses in 2023. Examples include licenses being issued prior to the publishing of the revised Moratorium Policy 2023, licenses being requested and granted outside of the official deadlines, incomplete application files for license holders, and the absence of a Public Transportation Committee. The investigation also revealed key areas of concern including, the determination of the number of licenses that could be issued based on arbitrary information, the absence of written processes and procedures, the lack of checks-and-balances within the process, the broad interpretation of the regulations, and the presence of integrity risks such as, the Minister’s use of discretionary authority.
Based on the findings of the investigation, the Integrity Chamber provided recommendations to improve compliance and restore public trust in the process of license issuance. These include:
- A thorough review of the legislative framework to ensure it is in line with the latest developments.
- The documentation of processes and procedures, clearly outlining the roles and responsibilities of personnel/departments in the licensing process.
- Providing relevant stakeholders with regular (integrity) trainings/workshops.
- Improving communication and cooperation between departments, e.g. within the Ministry of TEATT and with the Receivers Office.
- Establishing guidelines relating to decision-making power, minimizing the possibility that decisions are made based on personal or political motivations.
The full report has been submitted to the Minister of TEATT. Based on the National Ordinance Integrity Chamber, investigation reports are not published.
The Integrity Chamber trusts that the above recommendations will lead to necessary improvements within the Ministry of TEATT, increased compliance with integrity-related regulations, and a strengthened public transportation licensing system.
For more information on the work of the Integrity Chamber, visit the website at www.integritychamber.sx.