Reluctance to adopt local billing system baffling

THE City of Harare’s ongoing struggle with its billing system and the reluctance to embrace a locally developed solution, such as the Local Authorities Digital System (LADS), is a matter of great concern.

As the city nears five years without an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, it is evident that the existing challenges have far-reaching implications for both the council and its residents.

The residents’ frustration is palpable as they question why the City of Harare continues to grapple with billing system issues when a proven local solution like LADS is readily available. The reluctance to adopt a system developed by the Harare Institute of Technology, especially when it has been successfully utilised by other local authorities, raises serious doubts about the city’s commitment to efficient governance and transparent decision-making.

The situation not only underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the procurement process but also highlights the importance of prioritising local solutions that have the potential to address the city’s pressing challenges. It is a disheartening reflection on the city’s decision-making processes and its dedication to addressing critical issues related to its billing system.

The Mayor’s remarks about the city’s mounting debt, including millions owed to water treatment chemical suppliers, and the increasing difficulty in paying both councillors and workers, paint a grim picture of the consequences of the billing system impasse.

The recent revelation that the city’s attempts to procure a new billing system had stalled due to bureaucratic and technical bottlenecks further emphasizes the need for a thorough review of the procurement process.

The council resolution to engage with the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) over the matter is a step in the right direction. It is essential to ensure that the procurement process is conducted with integrity and fairness to avoid any further delays or complications.

The history of the city’s dealings with billing system providers, including the abandonment of the BIQ system in 2019 and the subsequent push for an ERP system that was rejected by central government and councillors, raises serious questions about the decision-making and procurement practices within the City of Harare.

The discrepancies highlighted in the bidding process and the allegations of thwarting efforts to procure an affordable billing system further underscore the need for a thorough investigation and resolution of these issues.

In conclusion, the City of Harare must prioritise the best interests of its residents by embracing viable solutions, such as the LADS to address the pressing issues related to its billing system.

It is imperative for the city officials to demonstrate a genuine commitment to efficient governance, transparent decision-making, and responsible procurement practices to restore trust and confidence in the management of its affairs. The residents deserve a billing system that works for their benefit, and it is time for the city to deliver on this crucial aspect of service delivery.