GRAS – Gozo Region App Services, a new digital system and mobile application designed to make it easier for residents to report everyday issues and communicate with their local councils and the Gozo Region, has been launched today by the Gozo Regional Council.

During the event, the Council explained that GRAS was developed after several years of growing responsibilities in streetlight maintenance and domestic waste services.

The Region said that in 2015 it took charge of maintaining a number of streetlights that had been upgraded to LED technology. These were managed through an older system that eventually became too limited for current needs.

In 2023, the Council also became responsible for domestic waste collection across Gozo. With this added work, it became clear that a more modern and reliable digital system was needed to handle reports, follow up on issues, and keep residents informed.

GRAS has been built with several straightforward functions for everyday use. Through the app, residents can report faulty or flickering streetlights, check the weekly waste collection schedule for their locality, and submit a report if domestic waste is not collected on the scheduled day.

The app also allows the Council to send notifications directly to users about changes or updates to waste-related services.

It was explained that GRAS was created to meet these needs. The system includes an internal platform for the Council and a mobile app that allows residents to report issues quickly and confidently, helping to make communication between residents and local councils simpler, faster, and better organised.Those attending the launch were also shown a series of short videos demonstrating how the new system works and how residents can use the app in their daily lives.

Speaking during the event, the Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri, noted that he hopes GRAS will help day-to-day issues move more smoothly, making it easier for residents to reach their councils and for councils to follow up on reports.

He said that digital tools like this can improve how information flows and make public services more efficient for everyone.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli, said that GRAS brings several responsibilities together into one clear system, making it simpler for residents to check schedules, submit reports, and receive updates.

She said that the Gozo Regional Council is the first regional council to introduce a digital platform of this kind, reflecting a forward-looking approach to everyday public services.

The Parliamentary Secretary thanked the teams involved for their work and said the project shows how local government can adopt practical digital solutions that match the needs of modern communities.

The President of the Gozo Regional Council Samuel Azzopardi, spoke about the development of the system, describing GRAS as “a project that grew out of everyday challenges faced by councils and residents.”

He said that while the app is designed to be simple for the public, a great deal of work has gone into ensuring it is reliable, accurate, and capable of supporting the Council’s expanding responsibilities.

Dr Azzopardi thanked all those who contributed to the project and said the Council is proud to introduce a system that will make communication and coordination easier for everyone across the region.

The Gozo Regional Council thanked all those involved in developing GRAS, including the technical teams, administrative staff, and everyone who contributed to bringing the project to completion.

The Council concluded by saying that today’s launch forms part of its “ongoing efforts to improve services and make better use of technology for the benefit of the Gozo community.”

Gozo Region App Services on Google Play

Photos: Gozo Regional Council

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