Municipality in the process of resolving ERP system

Diana Nherera Suburban Reporter

THE City of Harare says it is in the process of resolving the Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP) to bring about a system that will enhance revenue collection and help council deliver services.

Presenting the city’s 2025 proposed budget, Finance and Development Committee chairperson Councillor Costa Mande said after more than four attempts to buy an ERP, the city made a decision to re-engage the previous service provider but hit a snag as the council had to seek condonation from the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ).

“Our request for condonation was not acceded to and we were advised to approach the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for assistance in sensitive procurement.

“We indeed sought assistance from the Ministry and we managed to get the authority to engage Quill Associates for 12 months as we procure an ERP system.

“We hope that this will give us adequate time to go through the procurement processes.

“This remains urgent and the city has allocated adequate resources for the procurement of the ERP,” he said.

Cllr Mande said the city intends to be up to date with audits by the first half of 2025.

He said the city was last audited for 2020 financial statements.

“The 2021 financial statements are currently under audit and the 2022 and 2023 drafts are ready for audit awaiting finalisation of prior audits,” said Cllr Mande.

He said the review of the Masterplan which started early this year is expected to be completed in line with the deadlines set by Government.

Cllr Mande said the masterplan serves as a comprehensive blueprint for the future development of Harare.

“It outlines a long-term vision, guiding decisions on land use, infrastructure, transportation, housing and economic development.

“The full implementation of the masterplan will guide our development trajectory going forward,” he said.

Cllr Mande said public-private partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a powerful tool for local authorities to accelerate development, service delivery and stimulate economic growth.

“By combining the strengths of both the public and private sectors, PPPs can address challenges that may be difficult for either sector to tackle alone,” he said.

Cllr Mande said three waste transfer stations valued at US$150 000 and a materials recovery centre expected to cost US$50 000 will be funded under the PPPs model in 2025.

“One of the signature projects for the 2025 financial year is the Harare 50 megawatt solar plant.

“The project involves the establishment of the 50 megawatt solar plant at the council-owned farm in Crowborough at a total cost of US$50million.

“The solar plant will generate electricity to power the city’s water and sewer treatment plants with any excess energy being supplied to the national grid under net metering arrangements,” he said.

Cllr Mande said the project is important for the city as it will reduce operational costs significantly and also reduce the council’s dependence on the national grid for electricity.

“Furthermore, the project is poised to assist the city in reducing the carbon footprint and ensure environmental sustainability.

“Sustainability is the cornerstone of modern urban planning,” he said.

Cllr Mande said building a 50 megawatt solar energy farm is not just about generating electricity but about creating a sustainable, economically viable and environmentally friendly future for Harare.

“It positions Harare as a leader in renewable energy in Africa, setting a benchmark for other cities to follow,” he said.