In a move aimed at addressing mounting concerns over the digitization of construction procedures, the Czech government has announced plans to allow building authorities to revert to their traditional systems. Transport Minister Martin Kupka revealed the proposal, stating it will enable officials to utilize familiar tools such as Vita to facilitate the management of individual submissions. This shift is expected to expedite the issuance of building permits.
“We are looking to legislate a proposal that will permit officials at individual offices to return to their well-known instruments, which allowed for efficient management of submissions,” Kupka explained. He added that the new legislation would also incorporate existing digital tools, including the builder’s portal, enabling applications and documentation to be submitted digitally, thereby avoiding a return to cumbersome stacks of project plans.
The proposal comes in response to the ongoing difficulties experienced since the digitization process commenced in July. According to Kupka, a recent analysis presented at a cabinet meeting indicated that the system of digitized construction proceedings may not reach an acceptable operational state for 12 to 18 months. This would require the involvement of approximately 50 personnel and a budget increase of CZK 200 to 300 million.
The Prime Minister, Petr Fiala, has proposed the dismissal of Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Bartoš, whose ministry has faced intense criticism for its handling of the digitization project. Calls for a return to previous municipal systems have been echoed by building officials and opposition lawmakers alike, citing ongoing issues stemming from the new digital procedures.
In light of these developments, Kupka has established three working groups to oversee the digitization efforts. The first group, led by Karel Trpkoš, Chief Director of the Information Technology Section from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, will focus on cooperation with the Ministry of Regional Development and assess the technical condition of the digitization system. The second group, headed by Martin Kozák, Director of the Transport and Energy Building Authority, will facilitate communication with authorities and officials. The third group, aimed at addressing legislative concerns, will be led by Marie Kotrlou from the Ministry of Regional Development.
The working group led by Trpkoš convened with Kupka earlier today, including representatives from key organizations such as the Czech Chamber of Architects and the Union of Towns and Municipalities. These groups had previously raised concerns regarding the digitization system’s shortcomings during working meetings with Bartoš and the Ministry of the Interior.
Despite the formation of these groups, Bartoš suggested that the analysis presented to the cabinet was hastily prepared and potentially aimed at justifying his proposed removal from office. “What we have here is not an analysis, but a collection of hastily assembled points in a PowerPoint presentation,” he commented on social media.
Fiala responded to these claims by asserting that the analysis was conducted independently and was not commissioned for political purposes. He emphasized the necessity of addressing the current shortcomings in the construction digitization process, which has drawn widespread criticism from officials, builders, and designers alike.
Reflecting on the challenges ahead, Fiala stated, “Unfortunately, the digitization of construction proceedings has not evolved as promised. If we continue without substantial changes, we risk incurring economic damage.” He expressed confidence that the recent decisions would pave the way for rapid improvements in the situation.
The Prime Minister has also confirmed that Kupka’s team will consist of experts from various departments impacted by the digitization issue. The coordination of this initiative under the Transport Ministry marks a significant shift in leadership, which has been criticized under Bartoš’s tenure.
Tensions within the coalition government have escalated following Fiala’s decision to propose Bartoš’s dismissal, leading to a rift among the parties involved. Bartoš described the move as a betrayal, indicating that it could affect the standing of other Pirate Party members within the cabinet. Meanwhile, the leaders of the coalition parties have denied any coordinated effort to oust the Pirates from the government entirely.
As the government prepares to implement these changes, stakeholders and the public alike will be watching closely to see if reverting to established systems, alongside the continued push for digitalization, can resolve the ongoing challenges within the construction sector.
Source: CTK
