The Tribune

AN online applications developer is racing to launch an app that could bring relief for unhappy New Providence motorists affected by ongoing pothole woes.

Quincy Rolle, president of United Data Technologies, unveiled his Bahamas' Smart City App six months ago. It is designed rectify the problem of pot holes, debris, downed street lights and traffic signals.

Mr Rolle, who specialises in the creation of mobile apps, smart database systems and software products, is at the point of finalising an agreement with an international company on the implementation of a communications platform that will enable the Bahamian public to report non-emergency issues via cell phone.

The app will allow Bahamians to keep government agencies informed of trouble spots along their commute in real time. It is scheduled to go live in March.

"It has certainly been a journey developing the exclusive rights of this app for the entire Bahamas," said Mr Rolle, who has more than 10 years' experience in web and online application development for Bahamian and foreign entities.

He envisions rolling out the app in Nassau first, before going live in the Family Islands.

The app is expected to provide at least four notifications: When the complaint is successfully submitted; once it has been read; when it has been assigned; and upon completion. The user who lodged the complaint is able to track the process every step of the way

Mr Rolle, who proposes to manage the app for the Government, originally envisioned the Ministry of Works carrying out remedial work.

"After meeting with senior Ministry of Works officials and being briefed on the challenges of the current workload, we had to go back to the drawing board and research what other smart cities are doing around the world," Mr Rolle explained.

"Most of them outsource infrastructural maintenance. They have private companies doing the work. After much consultation, the idea emerged to section New Providence into five work zones and have private companies execute the work."

According to the app developer, there are obvious benefits associated with outsourcing.

These include the creation of new business opportunities that could ultimately boost employment, especially for marginalised inner-city males; the accountability which comes along with private sector involvement; faster completion time (24-72 hours); and higher standard of execution that accompanies contractual work in relation to the fear of termination upon failure to meet pred-etermined requirements.

"With four to five persons in UDT's control room monitoring and relaying complaints, I'm confident the app will not only provide accountability within our city but make the roads of New Providence easier to navigate," said Mr Rolle.

"The app improves efficiency, and it is envisioned to save the Ministry of Works money, with new features to be released as it develops."