1 INTRODUCTION The essay will discuss the reasons why governments undertake alternative service delivery mechanisms. Beyond this, the essay will identify suitable examples and provide a clear discussion on the role(s) played by voluntary organizations and private contractors in promoting service delivery. ASD enables the government to provide quality services to the public by optimizing service costs to be efficient and effective. The essay will begin by defining key terms related to the topic and then move on to explaining ASD and further discussing the different mechanisms that can be used. The essays will also conclude by suggesting some solutions.2 DEFINITION OF TERMS Numerous terms will be used in the essays. These terms need to be defined. Therefore, the following aspect of the essay will define the terms: Alternative Service Delivery, Private Contractors, Voluntary Organizations, Government.2.1 Alternative Service Delivery“ASD can be defined as a creative and dynamic process of public sector restructuring that improves the provision of services to citizens (Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat 2007: internet source)”.2.2 Private ContractorsHarsch (2008:14) defines private contractors as “a subordinate, organization, or company that functions to render certain services specific to another institution where terms and conditions are specified in a contract and finalized by oral agreement.” 2.3 Voluntary Organizations Schuppert (2000:33) defines voluntary organizations as “Organizations that aim to provide quality services to disadvantaged communities without the expectation of rewards, income or compensation that comes from government.”2.4 Governor…. .. half of the card ......onment. The use of such technologies can provide some aspects of different use, for example improved service delivery, concrete interactions with business and industry, citizen empowerment through the provision of accessible information or transparent government operations. Proactive benefits of this approach can include minimization of corruption, revenue growth, cost reduction, increased transparency and more cost-effective use of resources. E-governance is also about providing public access through the use of the Internet to access information regarding all types of services rendered by the central government department along with successor agencies. This allows citizens to perform certain transactions for services rendered, such as paying taxes, obtaining a passport, and applying for and receiving benefits (Ford and Zussman 1997:38).