According to Zhang Huiming, Vice Director of Qingpu District’s Informatisaton Commission, the development of services online is an ongoing process that needs to reflect changes within the entire system of government. Internet users in Qingpu District have reached just under 10 per cent of the 460,000 inhabitants, and Zhang sees this as a critical mass that supports the viability of further e-government initiatives.
The portal - www.shqp.gov.cn – was established in 2003 and now has 26 sections covering district policies and online services. The most recent expansion has seen an English language version to provide information for overseas investors.
"We will gradually instruct and supervise all government departments to offer the latest information, especially those related to the daily life of residents and companies. The web site serves as a gateway to a plethora of government services, as well as a directory to 59 sub-web sites of government departments or important organizations," Zhang explains. "The e-government initiative cuts the cost of governing, increases overall efficiency and, at the same time, provides an edge over other districts in attracting investment.”
Zhang believes that not only has the web site made citizen access to services more convenient, it has also helped to make the governance process more responsive and transparent: “Our online initiative also serves as a bridge between officials and the people. Each government department is expected to add the latest information to its own site on a weekly basis.”
All officials have their email addresses publicly listed, and residents are beginning to make use of email as a more direct communication channel: "With more than 1300 e-mails collected last year, the district directors can efficiently solve problems raised by individuals or groups," says Zhang.
Quelle: Public Sector Technology & Management, 14.02.2005
