The key word here is Government. When dealing with them expect to have things take 5 times longer than the private sector. It is just a fact of life.
Example, a friend is trying to get a garage built at his house. Building department says it will take over a year to be approved, but if he would like to spend $6500 extra, it can be done in 6 months, and if he is really in a hurry $14,000 will get it done in 3 months.
When dealing with them you need more than patience, you need to be a Saint, or a multi millionaire.
Tom G.