Dealing with Construction Permits in São Tomé and Príncipe: Areas for Improvement
Observations and Insights
São Tomé and Príncipe, a country located off the coast of West Africa, has 12 procedures for dealing with construction permits. While these procedures are necessary to ensure that buildings are constructed safely and meet local regulations, there is room for improvement to make the process more efficient.
Key Statistics
- Number of Procedures: 12
- Time Required: 67 days to complete all procedures
- Cost Associated: STN 28,516 (approximately USD 200)
- Online Procedures: None available
Areas for Improvement
Several areas can be improved to make dealing with construction permits more efficient in São Tomé and Príncipe:
Streamlining Procedures
Some procedures seem unnecessary or can be merged, such as:
- Receiving an inspection from the Fiscal Property Registry
- Receiving final inspection by the Directorate of Public Works
Eliminating or merging these procedures could help reduce the time required to complete each step.
Online Procedures
Implementing online procedures could make it easier for businesses to access government services and reduce the time required to complete each step.
Reduction in Number of Inspections
Reducing the frequency or eliminating unnecessary inspections could also help speed up the process.
Recommendations for Improvement
To further improve dealing with construction permits in São Tomé and Príncipe, the government can consider:
Conduct a Thorough Review of Procedures
- Identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement to create a more efficient system
- Streamline procedures where possible
Implement E-Government Services
- Make it easier for businesses to access government services online, including submitting applications and paying fees
- Reduce the time required to complete each step
Provide Clear Guidelines and Regulations
- Ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the requirements and regulations related to construction permits, reducing uncertainty and confusion
By addressing these areas, São Tomé and Príncipe can improve its business environment and make it easier for investors to navigate the process of obtaining construction permits.