The Ministry of Housing and Water has begun the implementation of a single window electronic processing system as part efforts to improve the ease of doing business.
Subject Minister, Collin Croal, M.P, announced that the anticipated recommendations on legislative and governance changes to enhance the efficacy of the system is being advanced.
Once the implementation process is completed, there will be a more integrated agency approach to services, efficiency, and a significant reduction of processing time for planning and building permission.
During his presentation in the National Assembly last Friday, Minister Croal noted that the technicians are currently conducting an analysis of the existing system and its infrastructure, and a new system is being designed.
“The present system for approvals for permits is paper- based, cumbersome and time consuming and as a result, critical transactions can take months in many cases to be completed. In this regard, the ministry has begun the process of implementing a single window electronic processing system,” he explained.
In the interim, the ministry has already created an online portal which allows house lot applicants to upload their applications from the comfort of their homes, or offices by using electronic devices.
Once those documents are uploaded, the CHPA will issue an email acknowledging receipt, after which, applicants can request status updates from the portal rather than travelling to the Georgetown or regional offices.
“I hasten to point out though, that we know that not everyone has access to computers, so those applicants can still visit their housing officers,” he said.
It must be noted that the ministry has appointed three new housing officers in Essequibo (Region Two) Berbice, (Region Six) and Lethem (Region Nine).
Minister Croal said government has recognised that meeting the demands for approvals by local and international investors and customers of the CHPA and GWI require a faster and more efficient solution.
The administration is committed to ensuring the ease of doing business and reducing the red tape involved in government transactions.
