Transparency Portals in Fuerteventura’s Municipalities: A Closer Look at Progress and Challenges
The landscape of transparency portals in Fuerteventura’s municipalities has witnessed noticeable improvements in recent years. According to the latest evaluation of the Índice de Transparencia de Canarias (#ITCanarias), the average score for these portals has risen from 3.94 in 2019 to 4.61. Despite this upward trajectory, Fuerteventura remains the only island in the Canary Islands where municipal administrations have not yet achieved a passing grade.
Evaluation Metrics and Context
The ITCanarias index is an essential tool for assessing how well public entities comply with transparency obligations laid out in the Law of Transparency of the Canary Islands. This evaluation encompasses a broad scope, covering 347 public entities, 706 private entities (those receiving annual subsidies of over €60,000), and 66 professional colleges and chambers of commerce. The index is determined through self-evaluations conducted by these entities, with the support of more than 1,463 authorized individuals who can upload data to the Commissioner for Transparency’s electronic headquarters. Last year alone, over 2.2 million data entries were recorded.
The Standout Performers: Pájara, Tuineje, and Puerto del Rosario
Among the six municipalities in Fuerteventura, Pájara, Tuineje, and Puerto del Rosario stand out with scores above the threshold of 5. Pájara leads the pack with an impressive score of 6.73, reflecting a solid commitment to transparency and citizen engagement. These municipalities are setting a precedent for others on the island and can serve as best-practice examples for enhancing the quality of public information.
Areas Needing Attention: Antigua, La Oliva, and Betancuria
In stark contrast, the municipalities of Antigua, La Oliva, and Betancuria fall short, with none surpassing a score of 4. This presents a significant opportunity for improvement in their transparency portals. Betancuria, in particular, is noteworthy; it received the lowest rating in 2020 and has not succeeded in improving its standing since the previous evaluation. This situation raises questions about the efficacy of their communications and public engagement strategies.
Continuous Improvement in Transparency
Daniel Cerdán, the Commissioner for Transparency of the Canary Islands, emphasizes that while there has been substantial progress in the portals of the municipalities over the past two years, the next step involves improving how administrations respond to citizen inquiries. This highlights an essential aspect of transparency: it is not enough to merely provide data; there must also be responsive engagement with the public.
The Future of Transparency in Fuerteventura
The aim moving forward should be to cultivate a culture of transparency and accountability within all municipalities of Fuerteventura. Access to information must be complemented by an active response system that acknowledges and addresses the needs and questions of the community. As we look ahead, the challenge remains not just to improve scores but to build trust between local governments and the citizens they serve.
Resources for Further Insight
For anyone interested in deeper insights into the transparency levels of various public entities across the Canary Islands, detailed scores and evaluations can be found at the official transparency map. This resource serves as a valuable tool for citizens seeking to understand and engage with their local governments more effectively. You can access it here: Transparency Map of the Canary Islands.
Through focused efficiency on enhancing transparency portals and improving communication, Fuerteventura can continue its journey towards greater accountability and citizen trust.
