Minister of Housing Collin Croal says the single-window system is transforming planning and development approvals. By shifting from paper-based procedures to a fully online platform, the ministry has processed thousands of applications and reduced its backlog by 99 per cent. 

At a recent forum, the minister disclosed that thousands of applications have been processed, resulting in a decrease in pending cases. Additionally, ongoing weekly reviews and targeted interventions are helping to keep the system efficient and minimize delay for applicants.

“We have reduced our backlog by 99 percent. We still have, and when I’m referring here in Porto, it’s called a legacy background, the legacy outstanding applications. These are ones that are in the system many times from last year or longer period,” he explained.

The ministry says the rollout of its single-window system marks a significant shift in how housing approvals are processed. The digital platform replaces traditional paper-based system with a one-stop online portal integrating 14 government agencies and eight local authorities into a single coordinated network. 

Officials say the move is part of a wider push to modernize government services and improve efficiency nationwide.

“It’s really a fundamental shift and a major shift, I would say, in every regard that is happening in every sector, from the way how we have been doing things. So you’re moving from fragmented, from paper-based processes, from moving from all of that bits and pieces to a fully integrated system,” he said.

 Approval times are being reduced, with strong public uptake and thousands of applications already submitted, while the system improves speed, transparency, and real-time tracking for users.