Home News Single Window System: Collaboration between regional bodies necessary to successfully implement –...
Following the recent passage of the Single Window System Bill in the National Assembly, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has intensified its consultation efforts on the system’s implementation, engaging Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) authorities on Tuesday.
The Planning and Development Single Window System aims to significantly improve the planning and permitting process by providing a unified entry point for the CH&PA and its partner agencies.
The system’s electronic portal will enable local and international investors to submit applications online from anywhere in the world.
CH&PA’s Chief Executive Officer, Sherwyn Greaves led the consultation session on Tuesday at the Lethem Business Incubator.
He was joined by Consultant Fareed Amin and Business Analyst Kevin Sukhdeo while Regional Chairman Brian Allicock and Lethem Mayor John Macedo were among the regional officials present.
Greaves emphasised that the cooperation of all administrative bodies was crucial for the successful implementation of the system and ensuring transparency and efficiency.
Prior to the Bill’s passage, the CH&PA conducted consultations across the country, engaging with local Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), heads of service agencies and regulatory bodies.
Since approval of the Bill in July, these efforts have increased as they have covered Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and now Nine, with plans to move to Region One (Barima-Waini) next.
In December 2022, a $202 million contract was signed with Global Services to make the issuance of planning and building permits hassle-free as it was tasked with providing server and network infrastructure, security solutions, and hardware and software maintenance and repairs.
Guidelines
As the CH&PA moves to introduce this system shortly in consideration of the countrywide consultations, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal last week had disclosed that the guidelines of the system would be released soon.
Croal made this remark during the launch of the Core Home Support and Home Improvement Subsidy mobile app.
“Within this month, we’ll see the gazetting of the regulations in terms of the single window guidelines,” Croal said.
“And very shortly, as soon as we complete the awareness aspect, and we feel comfortable that the users understand [the system], we will officially launch the online platform [so] wherever you are in this world, whichever corner of the world you are, once you have access to Internet, you will be able to make the application for construction,” Croal said.
He noted that this was all part of the rapid development that is taking place in the country that does not only involve “agendas of infrastructure” but also legislative agenda. (G13)
