Stakeholder Relations In Time Of Covid 19: Organizing Community Meetings

 
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Even in the time of Covid-19 pandemic, some government infrastructure and development projects cannot be canceled. On-going projects especially for flood mitigation need to continue as disasters are inevitable and can take us by surprise. 

New projects require a series of consultations with directly affected communities.  These are called stakeholder engagement activities, aimed at getting the views of the community on the proposed project. 

Here are some tweaks that can be done to continue consultations during the Covid-19 crisis.

1. Keep participants at a minimum. Limit the participants to a maximum of 12 to include local and sector leaders who can inform the community about the project. Observe social distancing measures such as keeping 1 to 2 meters distance per chair.

2. Meeting preparation.

  • Disinfect the meeting area at least an hour before the meeting

  • No mask, no entry rule has to be applied

  • Provide alcohol/hand sanitizer and foot baths upon entry

  • Take body temperature

  • Meeting area should be well-ventilated and lit; have enough fans for cooling;

3. If necessary, another meeting can be set-up for the most affected/vulnerable sectors such as workers, farmers, women, youth, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. Barangay leaders and sector leaders can then continue the information dissemination within the barangay through the distribution of IEC materials.

4. Project kiosks and information materials. Project information materials can be produced using local language and made available in the barangay offices. A project kiosk can be set-up with available copies of presentation materials and other important documents. Posters are most efficient since it will minimize touching the material.

Remember that the success or failure of projects lie in community preparation.

 
Rabah Consulting