Housing Ministry said that Electronic Single Window System being advanced

The Housing and Water Ministry has begun the implementation of a single window electronic
processing system as part efforts to improve the ease of doing business.
Minister Collin Croal, announced that the anticipated recommendations on legislative and
governance changes to enhance the efficacy of the system is being advanced. Croal said that
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.
Croal disclosed in his presentation to the National Assembly last Friday, disclosed 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 said.
The ministry said in the interim, they have 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. Croal explained that 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 noted.
The housing and water minister said that that the ministry has appointed three new housing
officers in Essequibo (Region Two) Berbice, (Region Six) and Lethem (Region Nine). Croal
stressed that 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. He added that the administration is committed to ensuring the ease of doing business
and reducing the red tape involved in government transactions.