Various government entities have thus far implemented an e-governance system and in the near future Namibia will see a modern, electronic system for the validation of real-time border controls, as well as the speedy approval and issuing of passports and visas.
This was according to the Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Tjekero Tweya, when he officially opened the second National ICT Summit in the capital on Tuesday.
Tweya said that the introduction of the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) by the Ministry of Finance, aimed at managing spending and payments, has brought about improved service delivery.
“Through IFMS financial reports are easily accessible and overspending by ministries are something of the past .It integrates all sub–systems and allows proper segregation of duties.”
He said that the Namibian Police Force, through e-policing with the support of Interpol, will more easily and effectively trace stolen vehicles and more efficiently deal with criminals and curb cross-border crime.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health and Social Services has made impressive breakthroughs in the acquisition and utilisation of medical equipment found in theatres.
“Today, medical practitioners are able to use high-tech equipment for brain scanning, heart surgery, caesareans, etc., with minimal effort, thus leading to improved service delivery and bringing the government closer to the people.”
Tweya further stated that the Economic Commission for Africa, in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT, is implementing the Scan-ICT project in Namibia, to measure the status of ICT development in the country with the output of the Namibia Scan-ICT Database Website.
“In addition, with the launch of the West Africa Cable System (WACS) in 2012, our country’s network was redesigned and is being upgraded to carry the increased bandwidth and capacity from WACS. Regional government network service hubs were established in all regions to ensure seamless government service delivery. This infrastructure will enhance the implementation of the e-governance and decentralisation policies.”
Tweya said that it is imperative to note that information security during the ICT era is also crucial, both locally and globally.
He added that the regulation of the industry is critical to curb cybercrime and provide for safe electronic banking transactions, safe flow of personal data and the protection of children online.
“Our government is at an advanced stage of finalising the Electronic Transactions and Cybercrime Bill to protect our citizens,” Tweya noted.
by Staff Reporter