By Abigail Headley
The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) yesterday launched the Electronic Planning and Development Single Win-dow System, a groundbreaking initiative designed to facilitate easy access for local and international investors to submit applications online from anywhere in the world.
The enabling Act, which was passed in the National Assembly in July last year, aims to simplify and streamline the process of applying for planning permits, reducing bureaucracy and increasing investment in the country. The system will allow applicants to submit electronic applications, track progress, and receive automated decisions from government agencies.
At the launch, Chairman of the Board of the CHPA Emmanuel Cummings noted that the Single Window Initiative is a key project to transform Guyana into a developed country, as envisioned by President Irfaan Ali. He highlighted that the initiative aims to simplify the application process by reducing it from three months to 35 days, at minimum.
Cummings explained that the online platform allows applicants to initiate applications from the comfort of their homes, receive updates, and track their application status. Added to that, he said, it will enhance efficiency, transparency, and decision-making while also increasing consumer access to services and tax compliance. The Chairman further emphasized that the ministry’s goal is to create a business-friendly environment that attracts more investors and increases applications.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Private Sector Commis-sion, Komal Singh commended the initiative as a step towards achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in areas such as clean water and sanitation. He highlighted the significant impact of corruption on the private sector and expressed optimism about the potential of the Single Window System to remove barriers and increase efficiency.
Also delivering remarks at the launch was Project Consultant Fareed Amin who emphasized the importance of understanding the complexities of Guyana’s assets and services and how the Single Window System aims to simplify and streamline processes. He noted that the initiative is a step in the right direction towards creating a modern, high-performing service that provides transactional customer service.
In delivering her remarks, Chief Development Planner at CHPA Germene Stewart highlighted the transformative impact of the Single Window Initiative, which she said will streamline and simplify the application process for investors and businesses. She explained that the system will allow all applications to be submitted to one central authority, eliminating the need for multiple visits to different offices.
Minister within the Housing Ministry, Susan Rodrigues hailed the Planning and Development Single Window System as a testament to the government’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and customer service. She noted that the system will simplify the process of applying for planning permits, reducing bureaucracy and increasing investment in Guyana.
In his feature address, President Ali praised the success of the system, noting that it has improved customer service, reduced processing times, and increased transparency and accountability. The President emphasized that the system was designed to simplify the process of applying for planning permits, reducing the need for applicants to visit multiple ministries and government agencies. He noted that the system allows for electronic submission of applications, tracking of progress, and automated decision-making.
In September last year, the CHPA began to raise awareness and build capacity for the electronic Single Window Planning and Development System. Just prior to this, the CHPA’s Planning and Settlement Development Department held informative sessions with local authorities in Regions Two, Five, Six, and Ten. Similar sessions were held in August with representatives from Regions Three and Four, and the CHPA had planned to extend these sessions to Regions Seven and Nine.
