Government Undertaking Improvements at Examination Depots
By: , February 17, 2014The Key Point:
The Facts
- In addition to upgrading office plants, the improvements include streamlining operating procedures, training of personnel, providing technology, and improving security.
- As part of measures to beef-up security, a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system will be rolled out at all depots.
The Full Story
The Government is undertaking improvements at the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) Examination Depots to boost efficiency, improve service to the public, and enhance working conditions for staff.
In addition to upgrading office plants, the improvements include streamlining operating procedures, training of personnel, providing technology, and improving security of the facilities.
“Already, we have taken on board a new Audit and Compliance Manager…who has been tasked with ensuring that the operating standards and financial operations at all 14 depots are above board,” said Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, Hon. Dr. Morais Guy.
“In furtherance of that programme, a Standard Operating Procedure Manual has already been created, and will streamline how the depots carry out their daily functions,” he added.
Dr. Guy was addressing a function held on February 13, to officially reopen the St. Ann’s Bay Examination Depot, after extensive refurbishing work at a cost of approximately $12.5 million.
He mentioned plans, through the Information Management Department at the Ministry, to install an electronic ITA Vehicle Management System, which, when fully operational, will allow the ITA to electronically transmit and receive data from Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ).
He said that the system will be ready for testing at depots within the next two months.
Dr. Guy also announced that as part of measures to beef-up security, a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system will be rolled out at all depots.
“This forms just part of the initial steps at bringing the ITA into the 21st Century by safeguarding the integrity of its operations and processes,” he stated, noting that there is also ongoing training in customer relations.
Five ITA examination depots have been upgraded this financial year at a cost of $38 million. The other facilities are Spanish Town, Swallowfield, Spanish Town Road, and Montego Bay.
Dr. Guy informed that refurbishing works will be carried out soon at ITA depots in May Pen, Savanna-la-mar, and Port Maria.