GOING DIGITAL
New ‘My Council’ App a game changer
The Ministry of Local Government is developing a new mobile phone application set to provide members of the public access to basic services provided by municipal councils.
Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar revealed this while officiating at the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Christmas and New Year Social event at the Bounty restaurant in Martintar Nadi on Saturday.
Ms Kumar said this was part of the ministry’s efforts to capitalise on digitisation building an eservices platform connecting and combining the work of Fiji’s thirteen Municipal Councils.
The mobile application she said would be a game changer.
“Our digitisation strategy will deliver a My Council App and a complete range of e-services that will transform how our ratepayers interact with their Councils,” she said.
“The benefits are wide-ranging from online construction approvals, online payment of rates, permits, fines, and the easier payment of bus and taxi base fees.”
She said works were underway for more inclusive reforms to bring the planning system into the 21st century.
“The review of the Town and Country Planning Act is already complete. The draft documents went through peer review by the former directors of Town and Country Planning Office.
“These documents are being reviewed by the Planning lawyer based in Queensland.
“We will have a modern framework that guides scheme plans, building, subdivision, rezoning, and forward planning giving greater certainty to current and future investments.”
She added that these developments would create a simplified planning system and improved the capacity, capability, and performance of the Department of Town and Country
“To implement faster turnaround times in decision-making, the Ministry will focus on digitisation by working with the Ministry of Communication to bring construction permits online.”