More officials trained on Single Window System

Officials from Regions 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 are now better equipped to deliver more efficient and transparent public services, following a training session on the Single Window Planning and Development System held at the Ramada Georgetown, Princess Hotel.

The session forms part of the government’s ongoing effort to modernise and streamline the planning and development application process across the country. The Single Window platform serves as a single entry point for the submission, review, approval, and monitoring of planning and development applications. It is intended to reduce bureaucracy, eliminate unnecessary delays, and promote greater accountability and transparency in service delivery.

Minister of Housing Collin Croal underscored that the introduction of the system aligns with the government’s commitment to seamless and paperless transactions.

He emphasised that the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) and local authorities—particularly the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs)—must work collaboratively to ensure efficiency and accountability.

The Ministry of Local Government will also play a key facilitative role to support implementation and service coordination across all administrative bodies.

Chief Development Planner of CHPA, Ms. Gremene Stewart, highlighted the user-friendly nature of the platform and its benefits for regulatory agencies and local authorities.

Participants were guided through workflows for both residential and non-residential applications, including single-family housing processes.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Vanessa Benn, echoed sentiments shared by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during the recent launch of the Public Service Upskilling Platform. She emphasised that strengthening human capital and integrating technology is vital to building a modern public service that is agile, transparent, accountable, and efficient.

She reminded officials that local authorities are the frontline link to citizens and must therefore ensure that services are delivered in a timely and effective manner.

It is expected that the training will concluded with renewed commitment from officials to champion the use of the Single Window System within their respective regions, fostering greater public trust and improving the experience of citizens seeking planning and development services.

Already representatives from regulatory bodies and local democratic organs with Regions 3, 4, 5 and 6 have benefited from a similar initiative.