New website allows public to apply for housing online

THE public can now apply for housing online following the launch of a website called e-Sikap yesterday, an initiative by the Department of Housing Development Department to speed up the process of housing applications.

The website was launched during the 2009 Habitex and roadshow held to mark the World Habitat Day by Acting Minister of Development Dato Paduka Dr Hj Mat Suny Hj Md Hussein.

"The website will help to streamline databases and speed up the process of housing applications," Head of Project Management Section of HDD Hj Ariffin Hj Suhaili told The Brunei Times.

He said that previously, applicants have to visit the department to take and fill the application form and submit it to be entered into the system.

"Now we are one step ahead, applicants can now online with the establishment of e-Sikap which can be found on the sidebar of the homepage," said Hj Ariffin.

He explained that upon entering the site, applicants will be required to fill up a form-based page with their personal details.

The system will then send an automated mail to the applicant on what documents to be brought to the department's office, as a checklist before proceeding to the next stage of the application.

"Once they proceed to the office, their personal details will already be there and our officers will be able to track their application, which would save up more time compared to before," he said.

He added that since the system is online, applicants would also reduce travel time as they can apply anywhere.

"Previously all data of an applicant were compiled in just one file, and imagine if we have 54,000 applicants at this stage, then it means that we will have 54,000 files, where each file would contain thousands of data, thus making it more difficult for us to assess the file in real time," Hj Ariffin said.

He added that through the website, Housing Development Department officers responsible for maintaining the database will be able to analyse the data and check if they are also applying for other housing schemes.

Hj Ariffin said that the user-friendly website is now in use and currently available in Malay language but an English version of the website will be introduced in the future. The website can be accessed at www.perumahan.gov.bn.

The Brunei Times