My Department's decentralisation unit is co-operating actively with the decentralisation implementation group and the Department of Finance in regard to the decentralisation programme announced in the budget for 2004. An implementation plan covering all aspects of the decentralisation process for my Department has been submitted to the group. The Office of Public Works, which has general responsibility for property management in connection with the programme, is liaising with my Department on the Department's four new decentralised locations.
My Department is committed to developing innovative approaches to information management, communications and logistics to maintain and improve the quality of service to be delivered under decentralised arrangements and to minimise disruption. Its decentralisation unit is also facilitating full and timely communication with staff of the Department on the progress of the decentralisation programme through the Department's partnership committee and otherwise.
Two state agencies under the aegis of my Department are included in the decentralisation programme. The National Building Agency submitted its decentralisation implementation plan to the implementation group on 31 May. As the decision in relation to the new location for the Local Government Computer Services Board was not announced until 8 July, the board is in the process of finalising its decentralisation implementation plan. Each agency is required to put in place skills and knowledge transfer arrangements, such as in-house training and external courses and programmes, to upskill new staff to maintain and improve the quality of service to be delivered under decentralised arrangements.