Kupka: Building authorities will have the option to revert to systems before digitalization

Prague – Officials at building offices will soon have the opportunity to return to the systems used before the digitization of building proceedings. Currently, a way is being sought to connect the builder's portal with earlier systems. Simultaneously, work will continue on new digitized systems launched since July 1. This was stated by Minister of Transport Martin Kupka (ODS) at a press conference yesterday, who took over the digitization of building proceedings following the proposal to dismiss Minister for Regional Development Ivan Bartoš (Pirates). Kupka will present a further plan on how to proceed with digitization to the government by October 16.

"A legislative proposal will be created that will allow officials at individual offices to also return to their familiar tools, such as Vita and others, which enabled them to comfortably manage individual submissions," Kupka said. According to him, this could speed up the issuance of building permits. "At the same time, we want to utilize current digital tools, the builder's portal, so that it is possible to submit applications and documentation in digital form and not have to return to a pile of project intentions and documentation," he added. The necessary legislative adjustment should be integrated when discussing the law on renewable energy sources (RES).

According to the Minister of Transport, it is currently not possible to utilize all the functions of the digitization of building proceedings. He was convinced of this by an analysis prepared by representatives of four ministries presented last week at a government meeting. According to it, the system of digitized building proceedings could be in an acceptable state in an estimated 12 to 18 months. This would involve about 50 people and an increase in the budget for preparation by 200 to 300 million crowns. The estimate does not include the time for additional competitions, which can take at least six months.

Bartoš’s dismissal from the government was proposed to President Petr Pavel by Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) precisely because of the mismanaged digitization of building proceedings. Due to deficiencies after the digitization introduced in July, municipalities, builders, and parliamentary opposition demanded a return to earlier systems. "It stands that by October 16, I will offer the government a proposal for further steps on how we will proceed," Kupka said today.

The Minister of Transport also formed three groups that will work on digitization. The first will be led by Karel Trpkoš, the chief director of the information technology section from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, and will focus on cooperation with the Ministry for Regional Development (MMR) and the technical state of the system. The head of another working group will be Martin Kozák, director of the Transport and Energy Building Office (DESÚ), who will focus on communication with offices and officials. To lead the third group focused on legislation, Kupka would like to approach Marie Kotrlá, the director of the legislative and legal department at the Ministry for Regional Development.

The working group led by Trpkoš had a meeting with Kupka this afternoon. This group also includes Jan Kasl, chairman of the Czech Chamber of Architects, Radka Vladyková, executive director of the Union of Towns and Municipalities, and Robert Špalek, chairman of the Czech Chamber of Authorized Engineers Active in Construction. The Association of Local Authorities, the Union of Entrepreneurs in Construction, and the Association of Secretaries of Municipal Offices are also represented in the group.

These entities regularly met with Bartoš and representatives of the MMR during the summer for working meetings on digitization and, since its launch on July 1, they have pointed out numerous deficiencies in the systems and their non-functionality. Despite the efforts of the MMR, errors in the systems of digitization of building proceedings have yet to be resolved, stated Jan Holický, chairman of the Association of Secretaries of Municipal Offices, today.