In a significant move to protect and enhance the nation’s public infrastructure, the government is set to introduce a state-of-the-art digital mapping tool aimed at reducing damages and improving the management of critical assets.

The new digital mapping initiative will leverage advanced technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), LiDAR, and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to create comprehensive, real-time maps of both above-ground and underground infrastructure. These maps will integrate historical utility records, real-time sensor data, and 3D modeling, providing an unprecedented level of detail and accuracy about the location and condition of assets like pipelines, cables, water mains, and sewage systems.

Officials highlight that this digital mapping tool will offer several key benefits:

• Enhanced Safety: By providing accurate data on the location of underground utilities, the tool will help prevent accidental strikes during excavation and construction, reducing the risk to workers and the public.
• Improved Planning and Efficiency: Project managers will be able to plan construction and maintenance activities with greater precision, minimizing costly delays and avoiding unnecessary excavation.
• Significant Cost Savings: The reduction in accidental damage and unnecessary digging will translate into substantial savings for both government agencies and contractors.
• Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Protection: The tool will support adherence to regulatory requirements and help prevent environmental hazards such as leaks or contamination from damaged infrastructure.
• Better Asset Management: With predictive analytics, authorities can anticipate failures, schedule proactive maintenance, and extend the lifespan of critical assets.

The digital mapping tool is part of a broader push towards building robust digital public infrastructure (DPI), a concept that emphasizes secure, interoperable systems for managing essential public services and assets. By adopting such tools, the government aims to increase efficiency, transparency, and resilience in infrastructure management, while also supporting sustainable development goals.

The launch of this initiative comes at a time when governments worldwide are recognizing the importance of digital transformation in public service delivery. With this digital mapping tool, the government is poised to set a new standard in infrastructure protection and public safety, ensuring that the nation’s assets are managed smarter, safer, and more sustainably.