The Amuping Sediment Prevention Tunnel Project at Shimen Reservoir, along with various desilting efforts, represents a major initiative under the Northern Region Water Resources Bureau (NRWRB), involving significant budgetary investments. To enhance transparency and efficiency, project data such as bidding and execution records have been disclosed via an integrity platform, serving as a cornerstone for integrity governance. In line with global trends promoting open government, this platform supports principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability. This study aims to bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical implementation through dialogues with stakeholders—primarily government personnel and contractors—as well as consultations with open data experts. The research centers on two key questions: 1. What is the current status of open data implementation among NRWRB personnel, and how well do they understand the concept? 2. What challenges and adjustments are needed in terms of execution, regulations, and organizational structure to effectively promote open data?
Using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with NRWRB staff and experts, the study examines the development and deployment of the integrity platform. Findings indicate that while some personnel express concerns, managerial-level staff view transparency as a protective and empowering mechanism for public servants. To reduce user burden during initial implementation, data selected for release prioritized ease of access and use. Over time, the scope and quality of open data are being expanded. Internally, processes are structured to integrate open data practices without overloading staff, demonstrating its potential to enhance workflow security. From a regulatory standpoint, there is a recognized need to accelerate legal and policy updates to meet evolving requirements. Overall, institutionalizing the integrity platform supports both internal and external accountability, enabling open data and integrity governance to mutually reinforce each other.