Government departments and organisations such as the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) and Fiji Electricity Authority have been urged to work in conjunction with the formation of the Geographical Information System forum.

This GIS forum has been set up in the western division, based in Lautoka with the aim of getting everyone on the same page and connected with all geographical information being accessed by any one department.

Commissioner Western Manasa Tagicakibau said the first forum was hosted by the WAF where all using the GIS met for the first time.

Mr Tagicakibau said the lack of sharing or using GIS for ones’ own need needed to be changed so that all information was shared.

He said this would be used during times of need like before or after cyclones.

“If we share information, we will know how many people live in that area and all other relevant information,” he said.

“Basically this is to share information on what works were being carried out by various Government departments.”

“We are thankful to the Ministry of Sugar and the Sugar Tribunal where they already have a GIS structure in place and which could also be presently used as a hub for all Government departments.”

“We are working to have this office used as the permanent hub for the GIS where all information could be sourced from.”

Mr Tagicakibau said with the formation of the GIS forum, Government would be able to cut costs and time when dealing with any issues.

He said if there was anything to be done, like a broken bridge, all information will be accessible on GIS on its location and reports of what was wrong.

He said so that if a team went to the bridge, they would have all equipment ready to repair because of the feedback from the GIS.

“This is all about the integrated approach to development works in the Western Division.”

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

Feedback:  charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj