Abstract:
The evaluation of government policy programmes is a crucial management instrument
applied internationally to establish whether policies are implemented as planned,
and effective in achieving specific objectives in society. The article starts off by
providing selected theoretical perspectives on public policy evaluation, culminating
in a Policy Documentation Template (PDT). The PDT is a framework and control
instrument that can serve as a yardstick to measure the effectiveness of public
policy documents. The article then refers to policy implementation theory, and the
development of a Policy Implementation Monitor (PIM) follows. Comprehensive
policy documentation of the Western Cape Public Works & Transport Department
(PPW) related to acquisition and provision of land for construction of new state
health facilities is then assessed, and the implementation of the policy programme
summarised and assessed. The article concludes with a number of recommended
strategies to improve the delivery of new state health facilities to the population
of the province, within set time frames. Formal partnerships and legal contracting
between government departments towards critical service delivery in society are
key solutions being put forward.
