By: Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News |
The Ministry of Housing and Water is moving aggressively to meet President Irfaan Ali’s directive to fully operationalize the Electronic Single Window System within two months—a platform expected to dramatically modernize how planning and building applications are submitted and approved in Guyana.
Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal confirmed that the Ministry has already begun internal adjustments necessary for the complete transition to the digital system. The new model will centralize all applications through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), which will serve as the single point of entry for developers, homeowners, and contractors.
Minister Croal explained that the change requires a shift in how local authorities process approvals.
“At the local authority level, the way they do their approvals will now have to change. Uploading, reviewing plans, and issuing approvals must all take place on the portal,”
the Minister said.
Under the updated process, once CHPA accepts an application, it will be automatically circulated to every relevant agency for simultaneous review—including the Board of Health, the Guyana Fire Service, and municipal bodies. The streamlined system is expected to reduce delays significantly.
Minister Croal emphasized that the new approval timelines must not exceed 45 days for major construction projects and one month for simple construction applications.
Although the Central Housing and Planning Board remains the final decision-making authority, Croal noted that all reporting and processing activities will occur through the electronic platform, ensuring transparency and traceability.
To support the rollout, the Ministry is establishing access points in regional offices and local authorities and has already begun conducting training sessions. Public awareness efforts will also be expanded so applicants understand how to use the system.
“We are increasing our public sensitization, and we are receiving quicker responses from agencies such as the Board of Health and the Fire Service. All agencies must respond on the portal,”
Croal stated.
The Minister acknowledged a backlog of applications that predate the system’s launch. The Ministry has begun contacting those applicants to update their cases and move them into the new workflow.
Despite challenges, Croal expressed full confidence in meeting President Ali’s deadline.
“We can guarantee that within the two-month timeframe set, we will get this right. We have made the necessary changes and are working to improve our application processing time,”
he said.
The Electronic Single Window System is part of the government’s drive to enhance efficiency, reduce bureaucracy, and create a more investor-friendly environment as Guyana’s construction and housing sectors continue rapid expansion.
