Manama: As part of the government's ongoing efforts to improve and re-engineer public services, the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) has developed its Chemical Import Request service into a fully digital service. This new platform enables beneficiaries to apply for permits to import chemicals and refrigerant gases, allowing for the assessment of environmental impacts before import approval is issued. This initiative aims to streamline government procedures, enhance service quality, and improve oversight of the import and circulation of chemicals.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the entire process under the upgraded service is now available electronically. The development involved reducing the number of service steps, automating procedures, verifying application data by linking with relevant regulatory data, reducing the number of required documents, and improving the user interface and user experience. The processing time has been significantly reduced from 20 working days to just five days.
Amna Hamad Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of SCE, explained that the service was developed as part of SCE's adoption of innovative digital solutions. These solutions are aimed at improving the accuracy of application reviews and enabling the tracking of imported chemicals, authorized quantities, intended uses, and importing entities. She further mentioned that the service helps reduce procedural errors, ensures compliance with environmental requirements and national legislation, and supports inspection and regulatory activities.
Al Rumaihi emphasized that the upgraded service reflects SCE's commitment to enhancing its services in a way that reduces time and effort for institutions, improves the efficiency and effectiveness of its work system, and enhances the quality of data supporting decision-making and the preparation of national reports, ultimately providing a more efficient service experience for beneficiaries.
In a broader context, as part of ongoing government efforts to develop and re-engineer government services, more than 1,300 government services have been documented, translated, and published. Around 800 services are undergoing development and re-engineering across various government sectors. This development is based on proposals and feedback received regarding government services through the National System for Suggestions and Complaints, Tawasul, investor feedback, and secret shopper reports evaluating government services. Additionally, guidance manuals and service level agreements have been launched.
These comprehensive efforts contribute to improving procedural efficiency, enhancing service quality, strengthening beneficiary experience, and supporting the government's digital transformation journey.