The BICC submitted its comments on the MEPA reform to the Office of the Prime Minister.   The main emphasis of BICC’s comments are

(i) the need for the Planning Directorate to use and interpret policy.  This entails also discussing and negotiating with the applicant and architect.  The current practice of many case officers to shift the all responsibility for the interpretation of policy to the DCCs must stop.

(ii) the need for an intensive programme of training including postgraduate training  coupled with a drive for recruitment.  MEPA should strive to increase the complement of professionals with the right skills to process development applications. 

These are of fundamental importance and should be the corner stone of the entire change process.   Unless the case officers start preparing proper reports with recommendations based on an appropriate interpretation of policy, most of the changes being proposed in this MEPA reform will bring little or no tangible improvement. 

The full document is attached.