Aswan – Egyptian and U.S. government officials today inaugurated two web-enabled Citizen Service Centers in Aswan governorate.  These one-stop shops for government services were developed through cooperation between the Aswan Governorate; the Ministry of Planning, Monitoring, and Administrative Reform; the Ministry of Local Development; and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

“Citizen Service Centers in Edfu, Daraw, and Aswan City are the first in Egypt where citizens can request government services through a new, modern, web-enabled system,” said USAID Mission Director Sherry F. Carlin.  “This represents an important step in meeting citizens’ needs.”

The Ministry of Planning supports 142 automated Citizen Service Centers in Egypt providing over 100 different services.  Before establishing these centers, citizens needed to visit several different offices to obtain a required service.  By offering a one-stop shop model for public services, Citizen Service Centers increase transparency and integrity.

The U.S. Government supports Egyptian-led efforts to decentralize its government as mandated by Egypt’s new constitution.  This includes supporting the development of five Citizen Service Centers that provide services such as issuing building permits and small business licenses in a transparent, convenient, and efficient manner.  In partnership with the Government of Egypt, USAID is piloting a web-based application for government services in Aswan that will eventually be expanded nationwide. 

Since 1978, the American people, through USAID, have provided nearly 30 billion dollars for programs designed in coordination with Egyptians to increase the number of girls in school, decrease infant mortality, improve the infrastructure, and strengthen livelihoods.  Current programs in education, health, economic development, and governance are helping to ensure that future generations will have the tools to succeed.