The reform of Mepa is an ambitious endeavour to which we are fully committed. However, even our deepest commitment alone will not help us to arrive at our common destination. Much has been said during the consultation period, as well as in the media. Words may come cheap but action demonstrates commitment. It is now time to move forward and deliver.

The expectations are high and we must all live up to our own responsibilities be it policy makers, policy implementers, consultees, applicants, professionals involved in the planning process and society at large. We must all shoulder our responsibilities and look at how we can contribute rather than state how others should contribute.

In summary, our objective is to transform Mepa into a leaner organisation with regulatory competencies which need to be as clear and transparent as possible, easily accessible to all - be they small or big, professionals or common citizens. Mepa needs to ensure that its decision-making tempo is upped and made more efficient in order to assist entrepreneurs in executing their business plans or else shifting their focus to other endeavours, and avoiding the placing of projects in a limbo of uncertainty.

Failure is not an option and the government is adamant to remain steadfast in its resolve to make Mepa an entity which gives the deserved service to the public. At the same time, we shall be open to listen to new ideas which could further improve this structure.

To this effect, the government is launching this document in anticipation of the organisation of a national final conference. It is the government's belief that with everybody's commitment we can achieve what we have set out to deliver.