Govt depts, agencies to share info soon

 By BEATRICE BONAKOYA

THE Integrated Government Information System (IGIS) will soon enable all government departments and agencies to share information through a computerised data system.

High speed internet, video conferencing and a nationwide broadband network are already in progress to reach at least 52 government departments and agencies by the end of this year.

This was revealed at the IGIS workshop held yesterday by the Department of Communication and Information in Port Moresby.

Information and Communication Technology Minister Jimmy Miringtoro told participants that it was the government’s objective to develop an effective inter-government communication system.

“Apart from e-mail and internet services, this network will also see the deployment of video conferencing, tele-presence and voiceover internet protocol communication tools,” he said.

“These services also have the potential to boost productivity and economic activities. Businesses will have a clear and easy access to important government information to guide their investment decisions.”

Project manager Winifred Amini said the focus was to integrate all government agencies on a single platform.

Project developer Huawei Technologies’ service delivery manager Sean Jing said phase one of the project would be fully achieved by December this year, which would enable more than 4,000 public servants to use the network.

He said the next phase would extend to provinces and the business sector.

The IGIS project was initiated in 2005 by former Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare and following a feasibility study, the National Executive Council endorsed the proposal to integrate various government agencies on a common information platform.

NEC then directed the information and communications technology department to carry out the recommended steps from the feasibility study thus crafting the IGIS.

The full implementation of the project costs an estimated US$53 million (K130.15 mllion).