The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works responsible for Local Authorities and Traditional Leadership, Hon. A.T. Mavunga, met with Harare Institute of Technology Vice Chancellor Professor Quinton Kanhukamwe today to discuss the potential benefits of the Local Authorities Digital System (LADS), a business solutions software developed by HIT for Local Authorities.
During the presentation, LADS Lead Engineer Tererai Maposa informed Hon. Mavunga that the system automates various Local Authority services, such as Financial Management, Administration, Engineering, Land Management, Property Oversight, Parking Solutions, and other essential financial functions.
Hon. Mavunga praised HIT for its innovative approach, emphasizing that if implemented successfully, the system could be adopted beyond Zimbabwe.
Eng. Maposa assured Hon. Mavunga that the institute has the capability to support all 92 Local Authorities if the government decides to recommend the adoption of this comprehensive, tailored system. He added that LADS covers all aspects of Local Authority operations.
Eng. Maposa further explained that LADS is an electronic system designed to enhance service delivery within Local Authorities, featuring Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) to improve operational efficiency, financial management, and resource allocation.
The ‘Call-to-Action: No compromise to Service delivery’ blueprint encouraged all Local Authorities to adopt the system for improved service delivery.
LADS includes various tools, such as the mobile revenue collector, e-Musika app, e-business licensing and Smart Parking among others aimed at enhancing revenue collection by Local Authorities.
Mutare City, Masvingo and Chinhoyi among other local authorities implementing the LADS system have reported significant progress in collecting revenue and curbing leakages in their financial systems.
Hon Mavunga asked HIT to fully digitize LADS at Gutu Rural District Council as a pilot project to assess its efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.
Hon Mavunga told the meeting that in line President E.D. Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 it was important to ensure improved service delivery across all Local Authorities.
“Whatever LADS is capable of doing to improve service delivery across Local Authorities should be done soon, otherwise with the coming on board of AI, you run the risk of lagging behind if you do not move fast. Competition is real,” Hon Mavunga said.
The event was also attended by other HIT staff, Government officials and LADS team.
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