Georgian Agency's New Infrastructure is Put to the Test
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The Civil Registry Agency (CRA) completed a significant IT upgrade with the assistance of USAID's Civil Registration Reform Project. The program modernized the Agency with new software that created an internationally recognized, on-line civil registry system aimed to improve efficiency and customer service. It was not known at the time, but the events of August 2008 would soon test the limits of the new system.
The August 2008 conflict with Russia left 130,000 Georgians without a home. The new internally displaced persons (IDPs) needed to be registered and their property recorded quickly, and CRA was tasked with the job. The improved IT infrastructure provided the foundation for CRA to build an IDP registration database, and with USAID assistance the software required for the first stage of IDP registration was developed in one day. CRA was able to complete the initial registration quickly during a difficult and chaotic time.
The developers had to be a little more creative when designing the second stage software. CRA required a tool with the ability to assist with situation analysis and aid management. By linking the two new functions in the existing registry, the IDP registry also works as a control mechanism for damage compensation processes. All humanitarian aid activities are now planned on the basis of the new IDP registration database.
Ms. Lia Bitiashvili was forced to move from the village of Korita to Tbilisi. She is just one of the IDPs pleased with the rapid response. "We went through the registration procedure in Tbilisi, and our problems have been paid due attention. We have received different types of aid, including accommodation, food and medicines."
USAID was proud to support CRA during this time of crisis. Many relief providers point to the innovative IDP registry developed with USAID support as the key to the success with IDP registration
