E-READINESS QUESTIONNAIRE FOR NORTH ... - Kunnat.net

have an average competence in basic computer skills e.g. in browsing the internet,
sending emails and creating documents. The staff of the local government has an average
level of competence in basic computer skills. The most important channel of information
fl ow between the different departments and staff of the local government could
not be ascertained from the response.
Only 26-50% of the local government staff has access to a computer and a very
small group of the staff has received computer training. Respondent observed that
there is the need to expand the classroom and computers so that more staff could be
enrolled. The local government authority has no website.
The main channels of communication between the general public and business on
one hand, and the local government authority on the other, was still largely over the
counter; meaning face-to-face. Telephone and mail/fax/ courier were next in intensity
of use. For now video conferencing technology has not been used. With regards to the
question of some ICT or E-Governance initiatives currently underway within the municipality
respondent said the city website was under construction.
Schools within the local government have an extremely limited amount of computers
for the students and staff. Learners with disabilities have almost a nonexistent
possibility to access spacialised computers for their use. Teachers and trainers’ skills to
teach with computers and how to integrate them into classroom learning is average.
Residents have a low level of awareness and understanding of the potential of ICT for
development. The local government had had no experiences in utilising ICT for cultural/heritage
entertainment products or services. There had been an earlier ICT related
survey on the e-competence and e-infrastructure of the local government area.
Strenghtening e-Governance in the North-South Local Government Co-operation Programme 43