Works Ministry honoured

Manama, Oct. 7, (BNA): The Ministry of Works, Municipality Affairs and Urban Planning won the eGovernment Excellence Index Award at the eGovernment Excellence Award distribution ceremony which was held under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, the Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Information and Communication Technology. Minister of Works, Municipality Affairs and Urban Planning Eng. Essam bin Abdullah Khalaf received the award. He praised the efforts of the Supreme Committee for Information and Communication Technology, spearheaded by Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, to optimise the e-government services. The Minister of Works stressed that the honour confirms the importance given by the ministry to digital communication and keeping abreast of modern media. He pointed out that the award reflects the ministry's success in achieving progress in ICT-related areas to better serve citizens and residents. It also shows maturity of the electronic services and the extent of integration with government platforms such as the eGovernment Portal, the Smart Phone Programme and the National Communication Center. The Works Minister added that the eGovernment Excellence Index Award is an indication of distinction of the ministry in the field of digital and interactive media which requires bilateral direct communication with the public and diversity in using modern social channels and networks. He pointed out that the ministry is acting under the kind directives of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to streamline and speed up services provided to the public while ensuring accuracy and speed at the same time and opening the doors of communication with citizens. Within the same context, the Minister of Works, Municipality Affairs and Urban Planning said that the ministry has also obtained an advanced level in the Information Security Certificate, a programme of the Information and eGovernment Authority which aims to enhance awareness of the information security culture. He praised the efforts exerted by the e-government officials under the management of Mr. Mohammed Al Qaed to achieve the public interest.