Teamwork, between the Department of Mineral and Energy Affairs (DME) and Q Data Internet (QDI), carried the day in the development of the department`s new web site - a gold seam of all public information for mines, energy companies and other stakeholders.
Far from the cloak-and-dagger communication of the sanctions-years, the new site, www.dme.gov.za, was developed in record time and is a model of openness. Ever wondered how much petrol South Africans burn in a year? Or how the fuel price is decided upon? The site has the answers. (The first is nearly 11 million kiloliters; the second a little more complex.) And if you are still not satisfied, it also has all the contact details of the Central Energy Fund, along with that of just about all the senior officials that could possibly have anything to do with either minerals or energy.
However, the wealth of information does not stop at liquid fuel. The site also contains government`s latest thinking on nuclear energy. Renewable energy is, judging from the site, high on the priorities list, while the tips for energy efficiency are enough to expand even the tightest household budget.
The Mine Health and Safety section of the site gives guidelines, accident statistics, as well as details of the exams safety officials have to write. And should there be an accident, journalists and the public can read the mine accident media releases on the site.
Need help in the compilation of an Environmental Management Programme? The Mineral Development section of www.dme.gov.za gives guidelines, examples and procedures, along with information on mining rights and mine economics - essential for all mining companies.
"The DME is committed to open communication. Information is, after all, essential to ensure optimum exploration of our natural resources, efficient use of the resources we have to buy, and sensitivity to the environment we depend upon. Our brief to Q Data Internet was to reflect all of this, and they came through brilliantly," says DME project leader Rosa Schoeman.
According to Q Data Internet project manager, Llewellyn du Randt, the DME`s commitment to the site made for excellent teamwork - which in turn allowed QDI to complete the project two months before schedule. "Clients often do not realise that the success of a web-site depends to the largest extent on their own co-operation with the developer. The DME web-site clearly reflects their commitment and the excellent co-operation we got from the department."
For QDI, the development of the DME site was of significant strategic importance. "We won the tender on the strength of our technical and creative abilities, as well as, and this is probably the most important factor, an established working relationship. This project cemented that relationship. And the teamwork that characterised this project, bodes well for the future," Du Randt says.
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Q Data Internet
Q Data Internet is a full service Internet solution provider. The company was formed in 1996 to serve the South African business range of analysis, development, and support services.
By maintaining a focus on the corporate market, Q Data Internet offers the full range of Internet services to assist companies in leveraging the maximum benefit from the Internet. From basic connectivity through to complex Web pages integrated into legacy systems, Q Data Internet has the capacity to design solutions for every requirement.
QDI is one of four companies within PQ Africa`s Electronic Commerce Division. The division incorporates the capabilities of Q Data Internet, QEDI, ECnet and SACA.
Being part of PQ Africa, QDI is well equipped to enhance the clients` electronic business operations providing a fully-fledged electronic commerce solution.
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