As of 1 October, the Construction Information System (CIS) will ensure the full digital circulation of the construction process documentation, thus bringing Latvia forward among digital leaders of the industry in Europe. In order to present the new functionality to system users, in September the State Construction Control Bureau (SCCB) will launch an ambitious training campaign.
“This is a historic moment – Latvia has become the digital leader of the construction industry, ensuring fully electronic circulation of documentation – from the concept to the commissioning of the building,” notes Svetlana Mjakuškina, the Director of SCCB.
SCCB has been controlling CIS since early 2017. When the Bureau started developing CIS, a total of 22,333 construction cases were available in the system. At present, more than 92,220 construction cases have been created.
The development of the system is happening within the scope of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project “Development of the Construction Information System”. Round 1 (No 2.2.1.1./17/I/021). At present, in coordination with the Central Finance and Contracting Agency, there is also documentation for the implementation of round 2 of the project. The main aim of the project is to provide construction services that meet the needs of the population, by reducing the administrative burden, improving accessibility and promoting transparency. CIS has been created by July this year by involving the industry and potential users in its development, in 45 workgroups involving 488 members from 43 institutions.
A significant step in CIS development was taken in September 2018, when users were given the opportunity to electronically propose construction and harmonise documentation from the concept to construction works. Therefore, the period from the moment, when the submission of an electronic concept has become possible, to 1 January, when it will become mandatory, is longer than one year.
“A positive trend with regard to the use of the system is observed now – the number users of the Construction Information System and the number of cases registered in it are growing. However, for CIS to be fully operational it is essential that all publishers of technical regulations conclude contracts for the use of the system and start working in it. It is already mandatory according to the law, but from 1 January 2020, when all new construction concepts are to be prepared only electronically, this will play an invaluable role. I hope that soon-to-be educational measures will also contribute to this,” emphasises S. Mjakuškina.