-reaffirms commitment to service improvements

THE following is the full text of a statement issued by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) on Sunday in response to a letter published in the Stabroek News:

“The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) recognises the concerns raised by Mr. J. Ramlochan regarding delays in processing his application submitted through the Single Window for Planning and Development.

According to the portal records, the application was initially filed on 23 July 2025 but did not meet the required document standards and therefore failed the initial validation, requiring resubmission.

It later became ready for payment on 14 October 2025, and after that step was completed, it was marked as ready for processing on 29 October 2025.

A site inspection was subsequently conducted, and the corresponding report was finalised on 12 November 2025. The application is now with the Secretary and awaits release to the CHPA Board for final approval.

The CHPA emphasises that the Single Window system hinges on the submission of a complete application that meets all requirements. Processing can only commence once an application passes document validation and the applicant pays the applicable fees. This ensures that all submissions entering the system are compliant with the national planning and development standards that guide decision-making.

While the Single Window platform has significantly improved transparency by allowing applicants to track the progress of their submissions in real time, the CHPA acknowledges that processing times can still be affected by documentation gaps, increasing application volumes, and essential inter-agency checks. Efforts are underway to enhance the platform’s efficiency, streamline internal procedures, and address potential bottlenecks to improve overall turnaround times.

We value the concerns raised, including those related to applications for smaller modifications. However, it is important to note that this particular application has already passed all technical assessments and is currently at the final administrative stage. The CHPA remains committed to ongoing improvements to the Single Window system to ensure all applicants receive prompt, efficient, and reliable service.”