Government Launches (SIG-CONNECT) Network

Government Launches (SIG-CONNECT) Network

A new and exciting Information Communication Technology (ICT) networking project for the Government was launched in Honiara yesterday.

Acting Prime Minister Walter Folotalu officially launched the project at the Paul Tovua Complex in the presence of Finance Minister Rick Hou, senior government officials, RAMSI advisors and representatives from diplomatic missions.

Called the “SIG-Connect”, Minister Hou described the project as a milestone achievement for the NCRA Government and the Ministry of Finance, which is leading the project.

“It is a very proud moment and great privilege indeed to mark such a very important chapter of our nation-building. I congratulate and commend all those who were involved in one way or the other on this great achievement,” Minister Hou said.

In late 2010, the Ministry of Finance ICT Support Unit made a submission for Government support to build a secure private Government network covering all ministries in Honiara which then, has received full and unreserved Government support.

With funding and Technical Advisory support from AusAID, work on the project initially known as the Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) Project commenced in November 2012. That was under a Joint-Venture arrangement between an experienced international company CBO Ltd, and a local firm, Satellite Solutions.

The SIG Connect Network, as it is now known, was successfully completed at the end of May this year and entails a roll-out of IT services right across the Government. It has the potential to lift communication efficiency and cost-effectiveness across the Public Services sector.

This system will be able to deliver a consistent set of ICT services across all 85 Government offices in Honiara. Until now access to IT services and the internet are a luxury enjoyed only by a few selected government ministries.

Now, for the first time all Government officers can have their own official SIG e-mail address; have access to the internet; store and share work with each other electronically; and be assured of a virus–free IT environment.

With the completion of this project, SIG will now expand the delivery of core IT services and communicate cost-effectively across the rest of Government.

“This will bring the entire public sector into the modern era of IT and communications. It is expected that as a result of this roll-out, it will help to ensure better and efficient services to the SI public,” Minister Hou said.

The new network will enhance the operation of a number of existing and new ICT systems in Government which include the ASYCUDA, which is a Customs System that will allow Customs officials to track imports and exports electronically, at both the Honiara main sea port as well at the Henderson Airport.

The second system is known as the AURION which is a roll-out information system for all chief administration officers to manage their respective establishments, leave requests, and track down overtime and payroll spending against Budget effectively;

The third system is the AX – ROLL-OUT, which is a system that ensures authorized SIG personnel to track down their departmental expenditure against Budget. In due course this will issue purchase requisitions electronically and authorized officers will be able to ascertain, at a glance, where their procurement requests are within SIG payment process.

The fourth system is the Drivers and Vehicle Licensing system – a project which the Ministry of Finance and RSI Police Force have collaborated on new and vehicle licensing system for the nation. This system will allow IRD officers to record information on vehicles and photos of all licensed drivers electronically, which can be accessed by the Police in their routine inspections. With this the Police can instantly ascertain the status of drivers’ and vehicles’ licenses.

The fifth system is the Whole of Government E-mail system – where all SIG staff will receive an official SIG e-mail account, which they can securely access from anywhere in the world.

Minister Hou also assured all Government departments and the general public, that his Ministry will ensure ICT Infrastructure is built to and maintain to a platform that provides the capability and further strengthens improved public services and economic performance.

ENDS

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