Bahrainis and expats will soon be able to register complaints, suggestions and enquiries about government services direct from their mobile phones.

Plans are underway to develop a mobile application for the national complaints and suggestion system Tawasul, which is currently available online at www.bahrain.bh, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Although no date has been announced for the launch of the new "app", it will allow the public to provide feedback on their experience with 23 ministries and departments.

"We are currently working on subscribing more government entities to the Tawasul system and in the process of launching a mobile application," said eGovernment Authority (eGA) chief executive Mohammed Al Qaed.

He said those not happy with government services or unable to get appointments were among those who had expressed concerns online.

Complaints registered since summer last year ranged from technical glitches; delays in appointments or responses; and missing, incorrect or out-of-date information.

The system has registered 2,729 cases, of which 2,351 were complaints, 187 were suggestions and 191 were enquiries.

"The online integrated system provides the facility to track the progress of users' enquiries through a reference," said Al Qaed.

He added the system was designed to improve government performance and transparency, based on directives from His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to develop a unified electronic system to collect public feedback.

The 23 government entities that have subscribed to the system so far include ministries such as Housing, Social Development, Labour, Education, Industry and Commerce and Finance, as well as the Information Affairs Authority and National Health Regulatory Authority.

"We are very keen to spread awareness of the system and encourage citizens to take advantage of its benefits," said Al Qaed.

"Tawasul is accessible 24/7 to submit suggestions, complaints and enquiries from anywhere at any time."

To access the facility online people should visit www.bahrain.bh and select the relevant government ministry.

"In case the selected entity is not responsible for the case, the system enables transfer of the case to the competent entity within Tawasul," explained Al Qaed.

People can also attach files and upload photos.

Meanwhile, Al Qaed said the eGA was planning to encourage more ministers to interact with the public through blogs such as one maintained by Health Minister Sadiq Al Shehabi, on its website. - TradeArabia News Service