Bulawayo City council (BCC) says it is working on a technological system which will enable residents to access their accounts and make their payments online via the council’s website.
The announcement was made by the mayor, Councillor Solomon Mguni while giving his new year’s message for 2020 at the council chambers, Wednesday.
The mayor said the move is being employed in a bid to improve its communication with residents and various stakeholders.
He noted it would be effective in decongesting revenue halls especially at a time when the council is struggling to provide power back-up equipment in the face of constant power outages at places where residents make their payments.
“Council is focused on improving e-governance in a bid to improve communication with its stakeholders and residents. We have been working on updating our website to ensure that it is responsive and interactive and can be accessed with ease,” said the mayor.
“Consumers will now be able to easily register online and view their accounts and balances and make online bill payments. As we improve on e-governance, residents should be able to submit their meter readings as well as view web maps before the end of 2020.”
Cllr Mguni explained that council, with the use of geographic information systems (GIS) technology, has focused on the production of map layouts on aerial imagery with more developments expected in 2020 through the use of drone technology.
He added that the optimistic targets for 2020 include the possible construction of a library, a new school, rehabilitation of community halls and the upgrading of Barbourfields stadium.
“We also intend to allocate 3000 housing stands, resuscitate our central park and improve curriculum and enrolment in capacity building courses at council facilities,” he said.
Cllr Mguni noted that although staffing levels have been a challenge in 2019, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has approved the employment of 368 people a move that will lead to improved service delivery.
