iGA launches four initiatives in Bahrain

Manama : The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) has launched four new strategic initiatives, said iGA CEO Mohammed Ali Al Qaed.

The initiatives included electronic application of the National Suggestions and Complaints System ‘Tawasul’; the Identity Card Devices project; eGovernment Platform project with additional improved features and the Fast Track Office initiative.

The launch was attended by the Minister of Interior Lt-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa along with a number of iGA directorates and representatives.

He added that the support of Deputy King HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa is certainly an honour to every iGA employee and a strong push to present further accomplishments. He also conveyed his delight with the continuous progress of the IT and eGovernment sector in the Kingdom by adopting and employing the global directions related to IT as well as implementing them. 

He also praised the integration and cooperation, which resulted in executing several joint national projects that are benefited by a large segment of the society as well as public and private institutions. Such cooperation is considered as a positive step that will contribute in saving costs, decreasing government expenditures, enhancing performance as well as contributing in dealing with economic challenges, added Al Qaed.

iGA General Manager of Information Technology Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa explained that the Delivering Identity Card Device will allow citizens to request their Identity Cards through the national eGovernment portal and then receive it from any location the user has previously assigned.

Meanwhile, the Authority’s General Director of Identity and Population Registry Nazih Al Jowder has showcased the initiative for the launch of the Fast Track Office, which allows citizens to benefit from the service by issuing, renewing or updating their identity cards with ease and speed and without the need to make an advance appointment. The Authority assured to supply the office located at the Isa Town premises, with the most up-to-date technology and link it to the Authority’s electronic system.

On his part, iGA Vice CEO Dr. Zakareya Ahmed Al Khaja presented the new eGovernment Platforms project. Within the first phase, 15 electronic platforms were launched and distributed over 10 various governmental websites. The second phase will launch 20 other platforms to reach up to 35 new self-service platforms. The third phase will encompass the collaboration with the private sector to launch more self-service platforms that present several services related to the particular entities.

The Vice CEO also added that in order to execute the directions of the Bahraini leadership to support the private sector, iGA was keen on building a partnership with the CrediMax company which contributed in decreasing expenditures as well as increasing effectiveness and efficiency. This partnership, between the Authority and the private sector, resulted in lowering government expenditures for the project from BD500,000 to BD90,000; while it was the private sector’s responsibility to bear the operational costs, maintenance and connectivity to the internet.

Fahad Isa Al Qadhi said the Tawasul application for smart devices has newly added features, pointing out that it will allow creation of a user account to avoid the user from re-entering data. 

With the conclusion of the press conference, CEO Al Qaed thanked the Bahraini leadership for its continuous support of the Authority’s initiatives and projects, which primarily benefits the citizens.