‘Smart’ Concept
To incorporate ICT in the management of a city’s assets. It is a known fact that, ICT has become the fundamental BUILDING BLOCK for Businesses across the world .
It also plays a pivotal role in Local Governance where City Authorities can harness it’s power and potential for greater achievements.
The impact of urbanization is usually felt the world over as it affects urban structures; areas, mobility and transport, infrastructure, human behavior etc. In recent decades, many cities in the developing world have experienced extremely rapid growth. This growth has created many underserviced neighborhoods.
The public now face the difficulty in finding their way around the city. Timely response by emergency service providers, delivery of mails to private homes, garbage collection services etc. cannot be anticipated. Due to the difficulty in locating dwellings, District Authorities have issues with revenue mobilization on a constant basis and has to depend on the Central Government for budgetary allocations. I however agree entirely that, district authorities does not have to become a burden on successive Governments, but must be innovative and technologically positioned to generate enough internal revenue for development of cities.
One such technological innovation that has been lacking in most cities is a Geospatial Addressing System (GAS). This, comprises a Geographic Information System (GIS) that integrates, stores, manipulates, distribute and displays geographic information and attribute data. It also enables users to create interactive queries, analyze spatial information and present results for decision making.
Today’s Problems are not solved with Yesterday’s Solutions
A comprehensive GAS however, begins with a comprehensive Street Addressing System.
Street Addressing
Addressing is paramount in this regard. The process involves Naming of all Existing Accesses and Numbering all Parcels / Properties in relation to the named Accesses.
Addresses are therefore defined in relation to the comprehensive naming of all accesses followed by a systematic numbering of all the properties aligned on each access.
- A final coding of named accesses and properties will generate Addresses for all landed properties.
- Installation of Sign Post is proper for public consumption and to aid Navigation.
- A Taxable database will be designed and implemented for Revenue Mobilization.
- Cartographic Maps can be developed for tourist and navigation purposes.
- Web Applications will aid Navigation using the Spatial Database designed from the process.
This activities however involves a certain skill level and technicalities which comes with training of field personnel.
This is the fundamental approach to opening up a city to Business and Investors love to exist in such Communities.
A Smart Community
Is the reason for a:
- Innovative spirit
- Entrepreneurship
- Economic image & trademarks
- Productivity
- Flexibility of labour market
- International embeddedness
- Ability to transform
- Availability of ICT-infrastructure
- Sustainable, innovative & transport systems
- Local & International accessibility
- Cultural facilities
- Health conditions
- Individual safety
- Housing quality
- Education facilities
- Tourist attraction
- Social cohesion
Smart Governance: Solving Urban Problems Using Technology
- Participation in
decision-making - Public and social services
- Transparent governance
- Political strategies
& perspectives - Employment
Do smart city solutions contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals ?
Smart in EVERY-THING.
City officials can interact directly with the community and infrastructure and to monitor situations like how the city is evolving. Through the use of sensors integrated with real-time monitoring systems, data are collected from citizens and devices, processed and analyzed to tackle inefficiency and enable a better quality of life.
Emergency and Security Services do not have to worry and hustle their way to locations.
The environment has evolved into a User Friendly Community because it has all the systems that makes life SMART.
Smart Cities in Norway enhance quality of life and reduce emissions
