Environment Ministry to disgruntled public: We oversight, not direct project developers
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By Binia Elizabeth
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry has distanced itself from allegations of failing to provide basic services such as roads, water, healthcare facilities, and electricity, in response to a legal notice filed by petitioners from Gudele, Hai Referendum, and Mia-Saba residents.
The legal notice, dated August 26 and issued through Reign Legal and Consultancy Firm, cited the Ministry of Environment and Forestry among institutions accused of neglecting service delivery.
However, in a press release issued on Wednesday, the ministry categorically stated that it is not responsible for directly delivering the said services, such as infrastructure.
“The Ministry of Environment and Forestry is a national policy and regulatory institution mandated to develop, implement, and oversee policies, strategies, and legal frameworks for the protection, conservation, and sustainable management of the environment, natural resources, and forestry. It is not a direct service provider of infrastructure such as roads, health facilities, or electricity,” the statement read.
According to the Ministry, the responsibility of constructing and maintaining roads, health facilities, water supply, and electricity lies with state governments, local authorities, and line service ministries, specifically the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, the Ministry of Energy and Dams, and the Ministry of Health.
The Ministry emphasized that even though it does not develop infrastructure, it plays an oversight role in ensuring that development projects meet environmental and social safeguards, contributing to sustainable urban growth and community well-being.
The ministry further urged citizens, civil society, and legal representatives to direct their grievances about service delivery to the competent authorities rather than policy institutions.
“We encourage constructive engagement with the appropriate authorities regarding service delivery challenges while recognizing the distinct mandates of national policy institutions and service delivery bodies,” it advised.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling its constitutional and statutory mandate as a policy institution but encouraged concerned parties to address service delivery grievances to the relevant service providing ministries and local government authorities.
