Easier access, real-time updates as housing ministry launches mobile app

A new mobile app launched by the Ministry of Housing and Water on Wednesday allows low-income homeowners to monitor their Core Home Support and Home Improvement Subsidy applications at their convenience.

The app was developed by local software company, V75 Inc. with financing from the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IBD). It was part of the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP).

It consists of three major components:

• the central database which enables applicants to access their information at any time
• the staff portal- empowering personnel to “better” handle applications whether it is granting approval or updating statuses and,
• the actual app allowing persons can monitor their application and receive real-time updates.

The app informs applicants when they will receive the keys to their core homes or materials for improving their homes as well as the progress of construction.

Once downloaded, persons can sign in using their 4-digit application number, tax identification number (TIN) and date of birth.

The app was launched during a simple ceremony held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal.

In the feature address, Minister of Housing and Water Colin Croal said through the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme, the ministry has been able to upgrade roads and drains, built 73 core homes to date and disburse just under 500 subsidies.

“This project was intended to improve the quality of life of both the people who live in the urban and peri-urban areas of Georgetown through the provision of better access to adequate housing and basic infrastructure of the low-income population as well as improve accessibility and mobility services,” Croal said.

He added, “The app that we launch today will make that process easier and faster”.

As part of capacity building, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Sherwyn Greaves said a $14M contract was signed with V75 Inc to digitise the applicants selection, compliance and satisfaction process.

“This was intended to reduce the processing time for applications from the time customers apply to the time they get selected to benefit from the Core Home Support and Home Improvement Subsidy,” Greaves said.

Other benefits, he said are to support CH&PA  in monitoring beneficiary compliance and better position the agency to increase the level of satisfaction to our beneficiaries of the programme.

“CH&PA is convinced that access and utilization of digital technologies is a means through which we can foster inclusion regardless of level of affordability, age, ability of disability. We believe that digital technology and innovation can be the great equalizer,” Greaves noted.

“I urge our beneficiaries to embrace the digital age and use the core home and the home subsidy mobile app,” he said.

Upon signing into the app at the launch, five persons were notified that they had received the keys to their core homes.

The keys as well as their electrical certificates were handed over to them on the spot.

“I feel happy and excited for the year I am out of my house I was very uncomfortable. I was like a rolling stone. So I am finally glad that I am going back in my home,” 67-year-old Pauline Harry, who is visibly impaired expressed.

IPhone and Android users can download the app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details and https://testflight.apple.com/join/lMOfwGj6.