Public consultations/hearings are formal, open forums where the public can provide input and testimony on proposed actions or issues, often related to regulations or policies, before a decision is made.
They offer a platform for citizens to engage with authorities on issues that directly affect their lives. The Lesotho Electricity and Water Authority (LEWA) is committed to conducting its regulatory responsibilities in an open and transparent manner. These hearings are essential in determining tariffs charges and issuing licenses.
Public hearings allow stakeholders to hold regulated entities and the Authority accountable. Most importantly, public hearings assist LEWA in making informed decisions based on a broad input spectrum. Nevertheless, non-attendance and lack of participation in public hearings compromise LEWA’s efficiency in undertaking its operations. Without active participation, important issues may be overlooked or misunderstood.
During public hearings, the Authority expects stakeholders to make oral presentations and written comments so that, in the end, it can consider the comments before it makes a final decision. Anyone can attend a public hearing, including individuals, citizen groups, businesses, and governmental bodies. Lack of participation during public hearings may result in decisions that do not reflect the needs and concerns of stakeholders. A diverse range of views is essential to make decisions that address needs of most citizens. When stakeholders fail to engage, consideration may reflect only interests of a narrow group of stakeholders, often leaving marginalised voices unheard.
Public hearings also serve as a vital means of educating the public about regulatory matters, license applications, new laws and policy changes that may directly impact their lives. When people do not attend, they miss the opportunity to become informed on how proposed changes will affect them. For instance, LEWA’s public hearings on the review of water and sewerage services or electricity tariffs provide the public with insights into how charges are determined, what is being done to improve services, and the rationale behind adjustments if any. Lack of participation, therefore, leaves the public ill-informed and more susceptible to misinformation or misconceptions.
On the other hand, regulated entities may feel less accountable to the public if there is limited feedback. Poor and inadequate attendance of the public during hearings leads to missed opportunities for the utilities to obtain valuable insights and suggestions from the public.
The Authority also seeks public input and comments on tariff review applications through a variety of means such as workshops, face-to-face meetings, seminars with key stakeholders, written representations, simultaneous broadcasting and radio and television programs.