The Harare City Council (HCC) has announced a $2.6 million investment in an advanced Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to revolutionize its operational infrastructure. This strategic expenditure aligns with government directives to modernize local authority operations and enhance public service delivery across the city.
The decision follows President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s introduction of a service delivery blueprint last year, titled ‘A Call To Action – No Compromise On Service Delivery.’ This initiative urges local governments to adopt modern technologies like ERP systems to improve their efficiency and responsiveness. Harare City Council’s adoption of this system marks a significant effort to meet the government-set benchmarks.
During a press briefing at Town House, Councilor Costa Mande, the chairperson of the HCC finance committee, detailed the council’s plans. “We’re acting on recommendations from the Auditor General to re-engage with our previous ERP system provider, Quill Associates Pty Ltd, to implement the BIQ system,” Mande explained. He highlighted that the $2.6 million budgeted for this system is not a lump-sum expense but will be staggered over the project’s duration, starting with a $300,000 advance payment to the service provider.
The ERP system is important for integrating various operational functions within the council, including general ledger, receipting, inventory, procurement, payroll, budgeting, and bank reconciliations. “By early August 2024, we aim to have these modules operational, with full system compliance and functionality expected by January 2025,” Mande added. The council plans to install and update the system in phases, with certain modules being developed concurrently to ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruptions to ongoing operations.
In addition to software updates, the HCC is also upgrading its physical IT infrastructure. “To support the new ERP system, we’re procuring new computers and servers, which are vital for enhancing our system’s operations,” Mande noted. This hardware upgrade is part of a broader initiative to ensure that all technological resources align with the latest industry standards and can handle the city’s extensive transactional demands effectively.
William Mugobogobo, the acting IT manager for HCC, addressed misconceptions about the council’s current digital capabilities. “It’s important to clarify that we already utilize various ICT systems to manage our operations, though we face challenges like any large organization managing high volumes of transactions,” he said. Mugobogobo’s statement underscores the council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining robust digital systems, despite the public’s occasional skepticism.
The implementation of the ERP system is not just about technological advancement but also compliance with international public sector accounting standards (IPSAS). “Achieving IPSAS compliance by January 2025 is a key target for us, ensuring that our financial operations and reporting are transparent and internationally recognized,” Mande emphasized.
