The system brings together different platforms and technologies into one homogeneous system which allows clients to view application details, submit and pay for applications online and send or receive correspondence digitally thus increasing participation, efficiency and transparency.
Introducing the system and the new services in will render, MEPA chairman Mr Andrew Calleja said “the system has impacted MEPA in different ways, primarily its cost efficiency through the reduction of paper use and less use of mail services has already been registered. Reconciliation of fees received for applications has been drastically improved and human resources which were fully dedicated to this have now been redeployed more efficiently.”
The system, which for security reasons, requires all users to have an e-ID, will give different levels of accessibility and coverage. Applicants can have an online detailed status of their application and can opt to receive electronic communication thus reducing waiting times. Architects have the full range of services at their disposal. The system cuts into the time taken up by file movements in different section and allows case officers and consulting bodies parallel case processing and consultations. This increases efficiency and reduces turn around times. Availability of full electronic data, including plans and file ‘minutes’ has reduced dependency on the physical file with the result that the process is now more streamlined and a misplaced paper file is no longer an issue.
Minister for Industry, Investment and Information Technology Dr Austin Gatt said that the government wants to increase the rate with which e-Government Services are launched do that all services are on-line. "In this respect, shortly, we will be announcing a new way on how Government will be doing this to attain our ambitious aim.”
Although the system has been in use for a relatively short period of time, it has already managed to obtain recognition both locally and internationally. In fact it was voted the best e-business solution for 2007 by the Computer Society of Malta. Also it was awarded a ‘Special Achievement in GIS’ at the 2006 ESRI International User Conference and awarded the ePractice.eu Good Practice label for 2007, based on the recommendation from the 2007 European eGovernment Awards consortium.
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Quelle/Source: MaltaMedia News, 09.01.2008
