The use of eGov app store in Bahrain (bahrain.bh/apps) has increased by 27 per cent in September, with applications being downloaded 146,991 times, it has emerged.

According to eGovernment vice-chief executive Dr Zakareya Ahmed Al Khaja this indicates a growth in use of smart phone applications, a wider reach to society members, and high popularity than other eService channels, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Among the applications seeing a spike in use in September is the Civil Service Bureau app (74,725 downloads), Student Exam Results (19,882 downloads), Traffic Services (10,340 downloads), Electricity and Water Bill Payment (8,797 downloads) and Bahrain Today (5,799 downloads).

Dr Al Khaja said the results of periodic statistical assessment reveal the confidence of citizens and residents in government services provided through mobile applications. This can be attributed to the service-oriented applications and its fast communication with beneficiaries, in addition to their inclusion of up-to-date concepts and applications pertaining to various government transactions.

Statistics have shown users' responsiveness and an increasing growth in execution of government transactions through eGovernment app store, which outpaced growth achieved by other eGovernment service delivery channels.

The national portal and the national call centre have seen an 18 per cent increase in use, and the use of kiosks has increased by 13 per cent, while the use of eService centres has dropped by 11 per cent.

Currently, the store provides 25 applications, and is set to launch new range of applications every year, targeting wider audiences.

It also aims to introduce a diverse package of e-services that keep abreast of citizens' and residents' requirements and expectations.

It is aligned with the national eGovernment strategy objectives, aiming at integrating services provided so that a single application would encompass a number of services catering to the same group of users, whereby saving download of more than one application on the device along with accelerating the process transactions.

The eGovernment currently provides 25 applications through its store, namely: Fix2Go, Bahrain Elections 2014, Civil Service Bureau, Health Locator, Electricity and Water Bill Payment, Gasoline Octane Inquiry, Student Exam Results, Profile Manager, Postal Services, eGuide Bahrain, Traffic Services, Bahrain Today, NGO Directory, Members Guide '“ Bahrain Shura Council Guide, eGov SMS Services, (Foreign Affairs Ministry, eKiosk eService Centre Locator, Islamiyat, and Bahrain International eGovernment Forum.

This is in addition to six applications provided by Bahrain Institute of Public Administration: Trah Tegder, The Balloons, The Smartest, Good Planning, Traffic Game and Be Close.

The eGovernment will soon be launching new mobile applications in collaboration with several entities, such as King Fahad Causeway Application, Legislation of Bahrain Application and Tawasul, the National Suggestions and Complaint System and more.

In addition current apps are being developed such as Islamyat and Fix2Go to enhance users' experience and increase the number of beneficiaries. - TradeArabia News Service