Technology never ceases to present us with something to cherish – from gadgets down to various apps that enable us do certain things that might have been somewhat arduous or unachievable. You will however agree with me that Nigerians, resident within the country, still lag behind when it comes to creating innovations that would leave indelible imprint in the lives of people. Some may argue that the conditions within the nation are not very favourable to actualize such feats but kudos must be given to those who have thus far weathered the storm.
The beauty of technological efforts is to bring about solutions that will make lives better. And talking about a platform that has been developed for Nigerians in order to address specific issues within our societies; today, I will like to take a look at ‘Tracka’. Tracka.ng was developed by BudgIT in 2014 to keep track of government projects across the nations. Though it may not register among the most sophisticated of technological output – since it may be viewed as just another social platform – but it is yet result-oriented. Through the platform, over five hundred projects have been tracked, and it currently covers 17 states of the federation plus the Federal Capital Territory. Beyond the platform however, the Tracka app has also been designed to make it more interesting.
In the setting we find ourselves, Tracka not only help to follow up on government projects but also unravel cases of non-performance and bring uncompleted projects to limelight. Indirectly, it serves a purpose in checking corrupt practices that could be engaged in by political office holders [as well as contractors] who are saddled with the responsibility of constructing infrastructures within their constituencies.
Furthermore, it presents avenue through which citizens can send in reports about roads and public edifices that are in bad state. Bad roads are an eyesore Nigerians have ostensibly become weary of, and one cannot but wonder if those that ought to take care of these roads ever know anything about them at times. But with the collaborative efforts of the project tracking officers and the citizens, ignorance will definitely not be an excuse raised by public office holders. So, it surmises to say that (Tracka) platform/app bridges the gap between the citizens and their elected government. And it’s not just about the reporting, the personnel behind the operation of the platform have been really active in getting the government effect corrective measures.
Looking ahead
Long before now, it would have been nearly impossible for individuals who barely know places around a particular state render a commercial transport service. But thanks to apps like Google map, many youths now have a means of sustenance by delivering ride sharing services via Uber, Taxify and the likes. This only goes to show the impact technology is having on our society. Now, imagine many Nigerians leveraging on such a platform as Tracka in order to get a message [as it relates to fixing things in their communities] across to the government. The number of registered members is still under a hundred thousand which means many are still left out; here’s a call for you get on board – if you haven’t – by signing up now.
It’s important to state here that asknigeria.com.ng is in no way affiliated to Tracka.ng, but it’s needful to let the word out on an innovation that is geared towards making things right in the nation.