Various assistance offered by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management can now be applied online. This follows the launch of the Capital Expenditure Capital Programmes Online Application Form at Nadave, Tailevu yesterday.

The ministry found that there was a need to go digital as part of the Government’s digital transformation effort. Line minister Inia Seruiratu said the digital platform would allow the ministry to work efficiently and effectively.

“Digital transformation should become a necessity for all of us as we progress on our new strategic direction,” he said.

“Today is another milestone for the ministry as we launch the new ministry’s online application form, which is a step forward to mainstreaming and digitalising our work for efficient public service delivery.”

“The use of this approach will also provide an indication of the demands for assistance.”

Mr Seruiratu said information collected would also assist the ministry in preparing packages and proposals for donor funding to complement the annual budgetary allocation received by the ministry for the Capital Programmes.

Known as the CAPEX online application, it is being operated by the KoBo Toolbox. He said that the introduction of this application tool should not be a new thing for the staff.

He further said the tool was simple, user-friendly and powerful to collect data during the disaster response and recovery periods.

“The content of the online application is customised for use on various devices such as Desktop Computers, Laptops, Tablets and even on the mobile phones – and it is compatible to operate efficiently in both online and offline areas – enabling all end users to apply from the comforts of their own homes,” he said.

“KoBo Toolboxchange has been embraced as an innovative solution to improving productivity, providing quicker processing timeframes, ability to drive data-based insights and encourages more collaboration and improved communications.”

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