Press Releases

1. Press Release in French New Paper about Proposed RAK GIS Project, UAE

RAK to deploy GIS technology to boost development

In a major technological initiative that will have a lasting impact on its overall development, the Government of Ras Al Khaimah has decided to put in place an advanced Geographic Information System (GIS).

Keeping in view the global development and business vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al-Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al-Khaimah (RAK) in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), and his initiatives in creating an electronic government, the RAK e-Government Portal (RAK.AE) was launched in the end of June, this year.

A recent movement ahead in this direction has been made by establishing a Geographical Information System (GIS), and in this respect, the RAK Government advisor, and Director General of the RAK Electronic Government Authority (RAK EGA), H.E. Dr. Hashem Ar-Refaei started a visit to France on Dec. 16th 2004, and met amongst others Mr. Paul Rouet, the GIS Director of APUR, who stands for Paris City Hall.

Mr. Rouet gave a detailed explanation about Paris City Hall and its experience & knowledge in this field and mentioned that they have established a number of current GIS technologies and solutions which are used in Paris city.

H.E. Dr Hashem Ar-Refaei (centre) with Mr. Thierry Vilmus of Asconit (left) and

Mr. Paul Rouet of APUR (right) at Apur Headquarters in Paris

The visit was made based on a special invitation from “Asconit, Lyon (France)” and their partners “EarthCAD, RAK (UAE)” who have participated in the development and implementation of the GIS Systems used in the city of Paris.

RAK EGA Director, was impressed by the advanced GIS technology and the way of operation of this system in Paris, and expressed his gratitude to all participants on their efforts. Also, Dr. Hashem announced that the project will be completed by the end of the year 2005.

2. Indo French Water Management Project, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA

   Water Service Centre (WSC) inaugurated

The Hindu: Vijayawada, May 21, 2004 :

The Indo-French Water Management Project (IFWMP) in Vijayawada is being implemented under the Indo-French Protocol. The project emphasises, amongst others on Sustainable Water Utility Management, by introducing innovative technology and management practices, as well as reduction of Unaccounted For Water and improvement of Asset Management by Digital Mapping and GIS development. As desired by the Commissioner, an important objective of the VMC is to improve the operational efficiency of its water utility by improving customer satisfaction, reducing unaccounted for water, reducing operational costs and increasing revenue by increasing the number of house connections, better billing and collection facilities. The milestones are balancing of the water budget and phased renewal of the production, treatment and distribution facilities and increasing coverage of sewerage system with sewage treatment.

In this regard one of the measures proposed is to establish Water Service Centres (WSC) at the 15 VMC sections under the responsibilities of Assistant Engineers. This is being done to support the water management needs of VMC, and improve its operation and maintenance based on a distributed and user-friendly management approach. It will also facilitate more coordination and organised interaction of VMC staff with its customers and consolidation of the various databases related to the concerned Circle and Divisions. The first WSC is being established at the Labbipet Stadium Reservoir which is in the Pilot Area of the Indo-French Water Management Project.

The VMC has upgraded one of the existing rooms under the Reservoir for the WSC with the necessary furniture and fixtures to carry out its various tasks. The WSC has been provided with a Desktop Computer and Printer for creating and maintaining the various databases, drawings and maps related to Head Water Works, Water Supply and Sewerage networks, Circle-III and the concerned sections and divisions.

After assessing the feasibility, the WSC’s can also be linked by wireless connectivity through a high-speed internet connection with the Circles and VMC VOICE server, as well as used for billing and collection of various VMC Taxes. Innovative methods for increasing House Connections, Billing and Collection are being studied.