NEC approves e-Govt project

mlipen National, Normal

THE National Executive Council has approved the implementation of the e-Government project – an integrated government information system (IGIS) aimed at improving public service delivery.
Communications and Information Minister Patrick Tammur said the Cabinet decision also included the engagement of Huawei Technologies Co Ltd of China to develop the e-Government Network for the project.
Cabinet also directed the Department of Communications and Information to commence negotiations with Telikom PNG on the implementation of shared services components, such as the Government data centre.
Mr Tammur said major components of the project included the IGIS network shared services, district management system, and enhanced executive reporting system.
“Huawei will construct the network-based on the scope and terms negotiated with the Department of Communications and procurement processes to be endorsed by the information technology board.
“The Government intends to integrate the various Government departments and agencies on a common information platform.
“Our vision is for Government departments to be integrated, working in coordination, and utilising information technology (IT) to effectively serve the people,” Mr Tammur said.
He said the NEC also directed the departments of Treasury, National Planning and Monitoring and Communications and Information to negotiate with the government of China and EXIM Bank of China on a concessional loan of US$53 million to implement the IGIS network and application.
The Cabinet’s endorsement followed the signing of two MoUs on cooperation in the area of ICT.
“The first was signed between the PNG and Malaysia governments last March 24 in Port Moresby and the other was between PNG and Huawei Technologies Co Ltd in Beijing on April 23.
“Adopting ICT in the social, cultural and economic sphere is a global phenomenon,” he said.
“PNG has to commit to this global process so that we are not left behind.
“The IGIS project will propel PNG right into the knowledge age,” Mr Tammur said.