Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond Mckenzie is expected to meet this week with the executive leaders in his ministry to look at ways to expand the AMANDA system.

The Application Management and Data Automation, AMANDA system is a web-based platform used by local authorities to manage development and building permit applications.

Mr Mckenzie warned that continued resistance to digitisation is undermining service delivery and leaving critical records vulnerable.

Speaking during a meeting with administrative staff at the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation recently he said the time has come for the system to be used in a way to secure records, if there is an occurrence such as a natural disaster.

Mr Mckenzie said the meeting will also include the ministry’s information technology department.

He reiterated that the move is not about taking away responsibilities from the local authorities.