OPINION | We can Xàbia
In a document written by Amalia López Acera, an expert in public administration communication, (https://amalialopezacera.com/pagina-web-administracion-publica/) she explains the characteristics that a public administration website should have. Here is a summary of that document:
- The website establishes the main channel of information between the administration and citizens about the services it offers.
- The website must be attractive, so that the person who accesses it is motivated to browse it. Therefore, we must avoid PDF content and repeat regulations as if it were a compendium of bulletins (from the state, the provincial government, etc.).
- Information must be up to date; nothing is more discouraging than wasting time reading and analyzing outdated, out-of-date documents.
- Information should be just 3 clicks away from the home screen. That's why design and organization are crucial elements for the website to be usable.
- The website must be responsive; that is, accessible from any smartphone with the same features and power as on a PC.
- The web must facilitate access to information for people with disabilities.
- The website must have information about security, data protection, etc.
- And you should also invite the person using it to use it again.
Unfortunately, it lacks almost all the quality characteristics described above, and although in some cases you might find the information you're looking for by continuing to browse, a 'document not found' error, outdated information, or a broken link will discourage the user from continuing. CAN to demand that tenacity from the user.
Why do we want to maintain the website? What use do we want to give it?
If our sole aim is to comply with regulations and provide citizens with access to certain information, it seems this would be achieved. However, we at Podemos prefer that the website truly be the communication channel between the local administration, citizens, and... member that have some kind of connection with our municipality. That is why we propose some changes to the website:
Upload files in a format that allows interoperability; avoiding PDF documents, including georeferenced information accessible from software that does not require licensing. For example, if I were a businessman who wanted to start a hospitality business, I would appreciate information about premises of this type in Jávea, the population density surrounding these premises and their geolocation being available in a format that allows processing, which is not possible with a photo.
The web must also be a tool that facilitates business, teaching and research activities; all of these uses require interoperable information; PDF formats are not sufficient.
Review the website and remove entries that do not contain associated information, as well as those that lead to redirection errors and those that are outdated. For example, the entries for the Municipal Group's CVs and the List of Positions are empty, among others. work, the public offering of employment, the agenda, the gifts received, the Mayor's expenses, the plans and programs of objectives or the environment, the prior public consultation or the public hearing process, . . .
Another example would be that in the section “Serveis Socials”, “Mayores”, “Menjar a Casa” we only find the advertisement of a company that provides that service, without any explanation, not even a contact with said company. If I am looking for a “home-delivery” service for my mother, for example, that 19-page PDF does not give me any information on how to get it, if it is a subcontractor of the company, town hall, why should I hire them, etc.
Balancing the weight between the different areas of action: it is shameful that, in the section on UrbanismIn the Public Works and Environment department, the number of documents in "Urban Planning" is 2103, while in "Environmental Plans and Programs" the number is 0 (=zero). Does this city council care so little about the environment in the 21st century? (see screenshot below).
We appreciate the improvements the website has made since the last legislative session, but it is still far from being a website that encourages users to return. Therefore, Podem Xàbia suggests that these recommendations be considered, as they would improve usability, website acceptance, and consequently, communication between the City Council and its residents. citizensThis invitation to citizen participation is one of the pillars of democracy.
