— Initiative aims to streamline planning and development approvals nationwide

MORE local authority representatives from Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight and Nine are now better equipped to deliver faster and more transparent public services following a capacity-building session on the Single Window Planning and Development System, held at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel.
The training forms part of the government’s wider effort to modernise and digitise the national planning and development application process, ensuring efficiency, accountability and citizen-friendly service delivery.

The Single Window System is a centralised online platform that allows for the submission, review, approval, and monitoring of planning and development applications through a single access point.
The system is designed to cut bureaucracy, reduce processing delays, and foster transparency across government agencies and local authorities.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, underscored that the new digital platform aligns with the government’s commitment to seamless, paperless transactions.
“We have the policies in place, and they must work,” the minister stated. “Your role is an important one. The system is intended to be the centralised access point. The timely delivery of services is crucial, and any delay simply holds up the business of citizens. We must take ownership of this process.”
Minister Croal further emphasised that both the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) must work collaboratively to ensure greater efficiency and accountability.
He also noted that the Ministry of Local Government will play a facilitative role in coordinating the rollout of the system across administrative bodies.
Chief Development Planner at the CH&PA, Gremene Stewart, highlighted the platform’s user-friendly features and its practical advantages for local governance.
“This system offers ease of use and a more streamlined way of handling applications,” she said. “We are here to help you understand how it works and to listen to your suggestions, so we can enhance it where necessary.”

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

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Vanessa Benn, reinforced the government’s focus on technology-driven public service transformation, echoing sentiments recently expressed by President, Dr Irfaan Ali at the launch of the Public Service Upskilling Platform.
“Those who are elected, appointed, or employed to serve must be responsive and diligent,” Minister Benn said. “The system cannot work effectively if we do not work as a team. We must ensure challenges are addressed, and that we preserve professionalism and integrity in the execution of our duties.”
She reminded local officials that they are the frontline link between government and citizens, and must ensure timely, efficient delivery of services to build public trust.
The session concluded with a renewed commitment from regional representatives to champion the use of the Single Window System within their respective jurisdictions.
Similar training sessions have already been completed for officials in Regions Three, Four, Five, and Six, as the ministry continues its phased national rollout of the platform.