The complex project will ultimately consolidate all government ICT platforms to optimize its configuration and avoid redundancy in executing projects. This, in effect, will streamline government work processes, enhance the flow of information between ministries, and cut down the time needed to complete government transactions, leading to a more efficient and integrated government with high quality services to citizens, residents, visitors, and businessmen - in line with Vision 2030.

The workshop attendees, that included senior officials from various ministries, Economic Development BoardEconomic Development Board, eGovernment Authority, as well as the joint work groups were given a presentation on the results of the first phase of the Enterprise Architecture Project, which took 10 months to complete. The results detailed the current status, in addition to a gap analysis, to move to the next phase for process re-engineering

CEO of the eGovernment Authority Mohammed Al Qaed said, "The project's numerous benefits are directly in line with Vision 2030. For instance, the project will allow for a better utilization of available resources, leading to economic sustainability because ICT project costs will be much lower. Furthermore, the project will elevate the quality and efficiency of eServices offered to the public because of the smoother information flow between ministries."

Al Qaed also revealed that Supreme Council for ICT, chaired by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, has approved the recommendation made by WIPRO - the consulting partner in the project - to create the Enterprise Architecture Governance Council. The council members will be from the EDBEDB, Ministry of Finance, eGovernment Authority, and Central Informatics Organization. The council will also include seats for two other ministries, rotated every 2 years. The council will follow a strict executive organization structure which will ensure the success of all government ICT projects.

The next phase, according to Al Qaed, will include an intensive training program for workers in the various government ministries and agencies in preparation of the next crucial phase of the project.

Al Qaed also remarked that the project's flexible design allows it to be scaled up or down as required, as well as providing a roadmap to advance and unify all IT departments and government performance in general under shared goals and vision.

As for next steps, it was agreed that another workshop will be conducted at a later stage to follow up on the progress of the upcoming phase and take into account any observations on this matter from the ministries and government agencies.

It was also agreed that detailed individual sessions will be conducted November this month with each ministry to review the results of the first phase. Then, in December, the training for the combined working groups will be conducted, followed shortly by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Council assuming its duties officially in January of 2010.

-Ends-

About eGovernment Authority Bahrain
The eGovernment Authority (eGA) was established by Royal Decree No. (69) in August 2007. Reporting to the Cabinet, the eGA aims to coordinate and execute e-government initiatives in line with the strategies, plans, and programs set by the Supreme Committee for Information Communication Technology (SCICT), headed by HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister.

The eGA's role entails everything from proposing overall policies and appropriate legislations to the SCICT for approval to overseeing the execution of the approved SCICT programs. This includes suggesting required IT programs, facilitating communications and services between all government entities, opening new e-channels for e-government services, and offering technical and knowledge-based support to the ministries and other government entities.

Currently, the eGA is working on executing the plans contained within Bahrain's e-government strategy to achieve the ambitious Bahraini e-initiatives, as well as offering 200 basic governmental services electronically via various communication channels within 3 years to all citizens, residents, and businesses of Bahrain.

The eGA formed up of 4 directorates: Directorate of Policies and BPR, Directorate of Service Delivery and Channel Enhancement, Directorate of Marketing and Awareness and Directorate of Human and Financial Resources and Capacity Building.

For further information please contact:
Lulwa S. Ebrahim
eGovernment Authority
Kingdom of Bahrain
Tel +973 17 388380
Fax: +973 17 388338
Email: lebrahim@ega.gov.bh

© Press Release 2009

 

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