Govt to improve Single Window System to eliminate delays, confusion

The Government of Guyana is moving to make life easier for citizens with the introduction of a Single Window System that will simplify how building approvals and extensions, both domestic and commercial, are applied for and granted.

The project is being done in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Water, which has responsibility for the Single Window System, and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.

Importantly, the system will be rolled out through the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), which fall under the purview of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. This means that citizens will be able to access the service directly within their communities, bringing efficiency and predictability closer to home.

The Single Window System will act as a central platform where applications can be submitted, tracked, and approved without the need to visit multiple agencies. By reducing delays and duplication, the system will provide clearer, faster, and more transparent services for citizens and businesses seeking approvals.

A high-level meeting to advance the initiative was recently convened between Priya Manickchand, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development; Colin Croal, Minister of Housing; and Vanessa Benn, Minister within the Ministry of Housing. They were joined by senior officials, including Mr. Miguel Choo Kang, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development; Dr. Josh Kanhai, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration); Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Housing, Dr Martin Pertab; the Head of Planning at the Ministry of Housing; and the Secretary of the Central Housing and Planning Authority Board.

The meeting focused on ensuring that the Single Window System is not only efficient but also accessible to ordinary Guyanese, particularly at the community level. By working through NDCs, the Government is creating a direct and predictable channel for citizens to apply for and receive building and extension approvals in their own areas.

Minister Manickchand emphasised the value of this approach, explaining that the NDCs are the first point of contact for many citizens. And, that by using the Single Window System through these local bodies, the process will be simpler and more accessible so that citizens do not have to struggle with delays or confusion.

The Government of Guyana remains committed to improving public service delivery by ensuring that approvals are processed in a way that is efficient, accountable, and citizen-friendly. With the Single Window System, Guyanese across all regions will soon have access to a streamlined, community-based service that makes housing and development approvals easier than ever before.

The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing, will continue advancing technical preparations and will keep the public informed as the system moves closer to implementation through the NDCs.