'E-Government is a key reform initiative'

GOTHATAONE MOENG
Staff Writer | Friday June 3, 2011 00:00

Speaking at a press briefing at the conclusion of a two-day e-Government strategy conference, Dr Omponye Kereteletswe said the contribution of both the public and private sectors were crucial in the implementation of the e-government programme.

He said the programme was a key reform initiative that would help increase productivity and the way service is delivered to people. 'This is a continuation of the journey which the government started over four decades ago to transform the public service,' Kereteletswe said.

He explained that the purpose of the conference, which was attended by over 350 delegates from both the public and private sectors as well as representatives from Malta and Singapore, was to engage in consultations and incorporate stakeholders' views in the e-government working draft.

'It is through their engagement that we will be assured of their buy-in in this very key area of our development,' he said. 'I would like to assure them that in the rollout and implementation of e-Government, they shall play a meaningful role.'

He said the government would gain an opportunity to work with the private sector because of the need of a strong ICT infrastructure and environment. He suggested that part of the solution may be to give incentives to the private sector. Meanwhile, as he officially closed the conference, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, Eric Molale said it was the government's intention to have the private sector as the main player to deliver the 10th National Development Plan.

Molale said government should increasingly be moving from 'service delivery to policy direction' in order to empower the private sector to deliver NDP10 and give government an opportunity to concentrate on policy matters.