How does corruption impact on service delivery? 

Corruption significantly hampers service delivery, particularly affecting vulnerable populations and leading to inefficiencies and inequities in public services.

Key Insights

• Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Populations:

  • Corruption in public services, such as healthcare, disproportionately affects women and the poor, who rely heavily on these services and have no alternatives when facing corrupt practices
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  • In life-threatening situations, such as complicated childbirth, corruption can lead to increased maternal and child mortality due to lack of access to necessary medical care
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• Impact on Municipal Services:

  • In South African municipalities, corruption directly and indirectly impedes the provision of basic services like water, electricity, and proper infrastructure, as the interests of public officials often conflict with those of the community
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• Higher Education:

  • In Nigeria, corruption in higher education significantly hinders effective service delivery, affecting the government's ability to provide essential educational services and infrastructure
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• Digitalisation and Public Service Delivery:

  • In Ghana, while digitalisation alone does not significantly reduce corruption, effective public service delivery can mediate the relationship between digitalisation and corruption, highlighting the need for improved ICT literacy and infrastructure
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• Community Monitoring Interventions (CMIs):

  • CMIs, which involve community oversight of service providers, have shown potential in improving service delivery quality and reducing corruption, especially when designed to promote interaction between citizens and providers
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Conclusion

Corruption undermines the effectiveness of service delivery across various sectors, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and leading to inefficiencies. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including strengthening oversight mechanisms, enhancing digital infrastructure, and promoting community involvement in monitoring public services.