An implementation plan is being formulated to ensure uninterrupted communication and service of government offices during times of crisis, as the Maldives transitions to a digital governance system.
The National Center for Information Technology (NCIT) has established a system in which government offices rely on communications infrastructures, under efforts to establish a digital government. The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology is currently developing an implementation plan to restore services and continue government operations without interruption in the event of a crisis or a human action.
The project is part of the World Bank-funded Digital Maldives for Adaptation, Decentralisation and Diversification (DMED) project. Sri Lanka-based KBSL Information Technologies Limited, a firm that has been active in the field of information technology since 1987, has been tasked with preparing the Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plan for NCIT.
The agreement was signed by NCIT’s Head and Minister of State Dr Mohamed Kinaanath on behalf of the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology. Krishan Perera, Associate Vice President for International Business, signed on behalf of KBSL.
The contract awarded to KBSL Information Technologies Limited is valued at USD 45,525. While the work must be completed within four months, the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology said the plan formulated by the company will be in line with international standards.
The plan will include risk assessments of the current state of the existing 22-year-old infrastructure, and conduct assessments on natural disasters, cyber attacks, power outages and fires. The plan will also determine the skills that employees must have and the trainings necessary for human resource development with regard to the implementation of such a plan. At the end of the contract, the government will be equipped with a comprehensive operational manual to follow in the event of a crisis.
While various government agencies provide services online, the NCIT will play a leading role in executing the project.