São Tomé and Príncipe’s Construction Permits Ranked 111th Globally
The World Bank has recently released its latest report on ease of doing business, which ranks São Tomé and Príncipe 111th globally in terms of dealing with construction permits. The country scored a low 66.6 out of 100, significantly below the regional average of 58.5.
Construction Permit Process
The report highlights several procedures that entrepreneurs face when trying to obtain construction permits in São Tomé and Príncipe:
- Requesting and obtaining approval of building plans from the Directorate of Geographical and Cadastral Services (DSGC)
- Requesting a building permit from the Directorate of Public Works (DOP)
- Receiving random inspections
Time, Cost, and Procedures
According to the report, it takes 16 procedures, 67 days, and costs 2.5% of the property’s value to obtain construction permits in São Tomé and Príncipe. The process is lengthy and complex, with multiple agencies involved, including:
- DSGC
- DOP
- Empresa de Agua e Electricidade (EMAE)
- Fiscal Property Registry
Recommendations for Improvement
The World Bank report suggests that streamlining these procedures could help attract more foreign investment to the country and boost its economic growth. “São Tomé and Príncipe has a lot of potential for growth, but bureaucratic hurdles like this can hold it back,” said a spokesperson for the World Bank.
Government Response
In response to the report, the government of São Tomé and Príncipe has announced plans to simplify the construction permit process and reduce bureaucracy. “We recognize that our procedures are cumbersome and we are committed to making changes to attract more investment and create jobs,” said a government official.
Conclusion
The report highlights the need for São Tomé and Príncipe to reform its construction permit system to make it more business-friendly and attractive to foreign investors. By simplifying the process, the country can unlock its growth potential and attract more investment opportunities.