Improvement of the management of public works department (PWD) through geographic information system

Abstract

Public Works Department is a leading Government Department of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh which is mainly responsible for the construction and maintenance of the Government buildings. The department is more than 150 years old and has a very good reputation in the field of construction. But in the recent days, this department is loosing credibility to its clients. There are many reasons behind this. But one obvious reason is that the department failed to adopt the new technologies in general and information technology in particular in its day to day operation. This has put a serious negative impact on the confidence of its clients. At the same time the efficiency of work could not be achieved at the desired level. Under such circumstances, this study has been conducted to find out the problems of Public Works Department and to find out the areas where Geographic Information System (GIS) can be introduced to improve its management. After an analysis with the help of cause and effect diagram, it is found that followings are the main problems lie with the Management of PWD. Such as improper organogram of the department at the Headquarter level, problem related to Human Resource development, traditional poor communication system, increase in time and cost in 'implementation of projects and complex departmental rules and regulations. After a detail analysis it was found out that GIS can effectively be introduced in planning of physical infrastructure, in design related aspects, in managing Government Khas Land under disposal of PWD, managing fund disbursement, managing human resource and in case of disaster management to improve the overall management of PWD. A series of activities have been recommended to introduce GIS in PWD. Such as analysis of requirements, specification of requirements, evaluation of alternatives and finally implementation of the system.