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CONCLUSION

The Guideline sets out a generic approach and methodology that can assist departments to conduct
accessibility studies. It is important however that the steps that are set out in the various chapters should
not be interpreted and followed rigidly as there is no uniform process or formula for how to approach
accessibility modelling. Carefully consider the facility planning needs of your department and the
objectives, scope and context of the study to determine the most appropriate approach and methodology, or
combination of methodologies, which should be followed. Also consult knowledgeable people if required.

Accessibility studies can assist departments to assess the accessibility of their existing service points
and to determine the optimum provisioning and location of their various types and sizes of service points,
with a view to meeting the population demand for services. The Guideline highlights various factors and
criteria that should be taken into account in the accessibility modelling process. The overall aim is to
achieve a more equitable provisioning and distribution of service delivery facilities.
Access standards are necessary to determine the optimal number and location of service points and
to ensure maximum service coverage of beneficiaries. When developing such standards, departments
should consider the cost and resource implications of implementing them, for instance, the cost of
establishing and maintaining additional facility infrastructure. It may be necessary to amend the access
standards to ensure that they are feasible.

Complete, accurate and current spatial and attribute data are important as they impact on the accuracy
and reliability of the results. It is important to assess the quality and to understand the limitations of the
data prior to conducting such studies. Make the necessary corrections to the data where possible and
archive the data together with its metadata for future record purposes.

It is important that spatial planning should contribute to aligned and coordinated planning and decision-
making regarding infrastructure investment and development in the country. The results of accessibility
studies are indicative only and may be overwritten by other important considerations such as the spatial
planning priorities of Government as set out in the National Spatial Development Framework and
integrated spatial development plans and frameworks of municipalities and provinces.

Final decisions on suitable sites for service points should take into account particular factors such as the
service delivery needs of communities, proximity to public transport, the availability of suitable land and
basic services infrastructure and the impact on the physical environment.

Departments and other data custodians should make their spatial data readily available to other
departments and data users by developing data sharing protocols and by publishing their metadata. The
sharing of service point data facilitates synergy and alignment across the three spheres in infrastructure
development planning, as required by the District Development Model of Government.

Consideration should also be given to complementary service channels such as the coordinated
deployment of mobile services, the spatial clustering of facilities of different departments in close proximity
to each other, the establishment of government precincts as well as the multi-purpose use of facilities such
as community halls, which would lend support to the creation of sustainable rural and urban settlements.

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