A new innovation from Gabon is changing the way citizens report urban issues. Geosignale, developed by Michel Banga Idagha, a young graduate of INPTIC and the National School of Cadastre, allows citizens to report problems such as potholes, burst pipes, and extinguished streetlights with precision. The app uses a progressive web app (PWA) technology, which does not require downloading from the Play Store. Users can simply click on a link, add it to their home screen, and start reporting issues.
The idea behind Geosignale was born out of frustration with the daily problems faced by citizens in Libreville. Michel Banga Idagha observed that citizens often complain about urban issues on social media, but there is no effective way to report and track these problems. With Geosignale, citizens can report issues in just 10 seconds, without needing to take photos or provide lengthy descriptions. The app uses topographical expertise to recover a point with a precision of 4 to 6 meters, providing exact coordinates.
Geosignale is designed to be user-friendly and minimalistic. Users simply choose the type of alert they want to report, such as a pothole or burst pipe, and the app sends the report. The app does not require users to provide personal data or track their movements. Michel Banga Idagha emphasizes that the app is designed to respect users' privacy, and only collects coordinates and the type of alert.
One of the key challenges in urban areas like Libreville is the lack of addressing. Geosignale solves this problem by allowing citizens to report issues without needing a street name or number. The app is particularly useful in areas where infrastructure is lacking or inadequate. By providing a simple and effective way to report urban issues, Geosignale aims to empower citizens to take an active role in maintaining their cities.
The launch of Geosignale has generated interest among Gabonese citizens. The app has the potential to improve the quality of life in urban areas by enabling citizens to report issues quickly and efficiently. Michel Banga Idagha's innovation has also sparked interest in the use of technology to address urban challenges. As the app continues to evolve, it is likely to have a positive impact on urban planning and development in Gabon.
Geosignale is a 100% Gabonese innovation, developed by a young graduate who combined his passion for coding and cartography. The app is an example of how local talent can develop solutions to local problems. With Geosignale, Michel Banga Idagha has demonstrated the potential for technology to drive positive change in urban areas.
The future of Geosignale looks promising, with potential applications in other urban areas. As the app continues to develop, it may be adopted by other cities in Gabon and beyond. With its innovative approach to urban issue reporting, Geosignale has the potential to become a model for other cities looking to improve their infrastructure and services.
Key points
- Geosignale allows citizens to report urban issues with precision, using a progressive web app technology that does not require downloading.
- The app solves the problem of lack of addressing in urban areas, enabling citizens to report issues without needing a street name or number.
- Geosignale prioritizes user privacy, collecting only coordinates and the type of alert, without tracking users' movements or requiring personal data.
