Building authorities consider a possible return to old systems to be the right step

Prague – According to officials and representatives of Prague's municipal districts, the return to the previous building regulation system is the right step. In response to a query from ČTK today, they stated that it will make their work easier compared to the criticized digitalized system. Many officials are still using the original functional system. They either use it to assist with applications entered into the Building Regulation Information System (ISSŘ), which they must use according to the building law effective from July 1, or when performing tasks that are not even possible in the new system.

Ministry of Transport Minister Martin Kupka (ODS) informed on Wednesday that officials at building offices will soon have the opportunity to return to the systems used before the digitization of building regulations. He was tasked with the digitization of building regulations after Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) stated that he would dismiss the current Minister for Regional Development Ivan Bartoš (Pirates). According to Kupka, officials will be able to use the original system Vita and others again.

"It will rather concern the legal facilitation of work in the office record services, possibly with the commercial agenda information systems still in use. The new building law directly requires management processes and procedures in the ISSŘ and is firmly linked to the digitization of building regulations. However, allowing the use of original functional systems, when proper management of administrative proceedings is not effective in the ISSŘ, or is not possible at all, is a potential solution to the current situation," said Ján Tropp, spokesperson for the building office of Prague 10, to ČTK today.

However, officials are already using the functions of the original system, even though they are not allowed to handle applications. According to the contacted offices, it works more effectively than the ISSŘ and helps, for example, to automatically pre-fill necessary data into a document. The employees then insert this document into the new system as stipulated by the new building law. In this way, officials at the building office in Prague 2, for instance, supplement their work according to Secretary Michal Kopecký.

According to spokesperson Marcel Pencák from Prague 5, the only solution to utilize the original Vita system would be to create a document in the program and upload it in PDF format to the ISSŘ. This was also recommended to the office's employees by the Ministry for Regional Development (MMR) during the last training session. According to Prague 4 spokesperson Jiří Bigas, officials exclusively utilize the old systems for handling inspections and offenses. He stated that the MMR has admitted that these tasks cannot be performed in the new ISSŘ.

It was also noted by Martin Kozák, the director of the Transport and Energy Building Office (DESÚ) at the Ministry of Transport, that building offices undoubtedly use the existing systems as support in the ISSŘ. Kupka also appointed him to head one of the teams addressing the digitization of building regulations, which will focus on communication with offices and officials. According to him, the building law does not exclude assistance using older systems.

Joy and relief from returning to the previous system are also felt by officials in the regions. In a survey by ČTK today, they stated that they have not yet received official information and are unsure, for example, how ongoing proceedings in the new system would be resolved. Nevertheless, they would not have a problem with a possible return to the original system, as they still handle old applications in it, and they believe the system is prepared for the amendment to the building law. They continue to consider work in the digitalized system, launched from July 1, complicated and time-consuming, despite adjustments.

Kupka is expected to present a proposal for further solutions to the digitization of building regulations by October 16. The Ministry of Transport told ČTK today that more information will be provided when a comprehensive plan is presented to the government.