The factors that must be in existence for a successful deployment of e-government

FACTORS THAT MUST BE IN EXISTENCE FOR A SUCCESSFUL ROLE OUT OF E-GOVERNMENT

Definition of E-governance

Electronic governance refers to the idea of government agencies using Information, Communication and Technology to serve their publics, instead of or in addition to the traditional-human contact. 

FACTORS FOR A SUCCESSFUL E-GOVERNANCE

Nationwide telephone facility

One of the factors that must be in place for a successful deployment of E-governance is nationwide telephone coverage. The tools used in E-governance include telephone, sms, fax, etc., therefore the absence of a telephone facility can frustrate the successful implementation of the project.  In addition to the availability of a telephone infrastructure, it must work constantly. Any time there is a disruption in telephony; E-government may grind to a halt.

Nationwide internet coverage

Another necessity for the successful roll-out of E-governance is nationwide internet coverage. Some of the tools used in E-governance depend entirely on the internet. If there is no internet, the services that would be provided to clients would be disrupted. For example, whenever the internet is down, clients cannot access the website of a government agency to apply for any service. The internet, where available, must be stable at all times to ensure a seamless delivery of service.

Nationwide electrical energy supply

The constant availability of electricity is also an important factor in the preparation for the launching and maintenance of E-governance. Most of the infrastructure used in E-governance use electricity to function. Where there is no electricity, it would be difficult for the government agencies or other providers of E-government services to function. 

Access to computer

To access E-governance, one must have access to a computer. Some other factor which must be in existence for E-governance to function is that people must have access to computers. In recent times, there are Smart Phones which can do the things that a computer can do and therefore Smart Phones can replace computers for those, especially in the developing nations, who cannot afford computers.

Literate citizenry

To access some facilities of E-governance, one needs to be able to read in the language in which the service is being provided. In most cases, unless one is being aided, one needs to follow prompts to complete the process. If one is unable to read, then there is a handicap and the purpose of E-governance would not be achieved.

Computer Literacy

This is also very crucial in the deployment of E-governance for the simple reason that, if computer literacy is absent, there may not be people to employ, in the first place, to man the facilities at the various delivery points. Aside that, for those who would want to access the services personally, they would not know how to go about it except to depend on third-parties. This can also compromise the personal data of individuals.

Government Commitment

In addition to all the above, the government of the day must be committed to the deployment of E-governance. The provision of the infrastructure requires huge initial investments and therefore the government must be willing to invest in the provision of the main frame on which E-governance is built.

SAMPLE QUESTION(S)

1. Highlight six factors that must be available for the successful deployment of E-government in your country.

ALSO READ:
What is e-government? What tools are used in deploying -government?
Institutions in Ghana that use electronic government

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