Environment services now 100pc electronic

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs (MoECA) has gone 100 per cent electronic in terms of the services offered as part of the government policy towards digital transformation. Sayyid Nasr al Busaidi, Head of Quality Management Department, said: “We have saved RO 48 million in 2016, thanks to the digital transformation. A total of 46 e-services are being offered, including customs clearances and requests for import of radioactive substances.” The ministry has been studying the best IT solutions and smart applications for both clients and stakeholders. According to MoECA, all types of permits now take 30 minutes to 30 working days. Also, the ministry issues environmental permits of ‘medium eco impact’ inside industrial zones in half an hour. Speaking at a media meet on Monday, Mohammed bin Salim al Toobi, Minister for Environment and Climate Affairs, said his ministry was keen on protecting environment and preserving natural resources. The ministry, he said, had adopted the best practices in the field based on local, regional and international changes. “We will soon be implementing innovative environmental policies aimed at creating eco-commitment culture,” he said. Recently, the ministry announced the establishment of eco-evaluation and permits centre, which has an executive role. Zainab al Nassri