Hopes high that new system will resolve municipal billing issues

The thorny issue of incorrect municipal bills is to be resolved through the re-appointment of the Munsoft Financial System. The system was used previously before being replaced by another system which many residents said ‘caused their bills to go awry’.
S Ntombela, acting municipal manager, said the system change aims to promote transparency, reliability and demystification of incorrect information, especially in the revenue section of the municipality.
“The cry of Endumeni residents relating to issues of billing will soon be something of the past. Though the effectiveness of any financial system is determined by the quality and credibility of the data, the municipality is confident that the change will be welcomed by the users.
“If the data input into a financial system is incorrect, then the management information generated by the system will lack credibility and reliability for decision making as well as the statement of accounts produced will be questionable. The combination of both credible data inputs and an effective financial system is fundamental to improving the content, quality, and timeliness of financial reporting,” he told the Courier.
The Munsoft system will ensure that the implementation of a new financial system is a smooth operational transition that does not result in disruptions to operations and impact negatively its performance.
“The Auditor-General, in his current draft report, sighted difficulties in obtaining sufficient audit evidence that revenue generated from the service charges and property rates was properly accounted for by the municipality. The decision to change the financial system (from Munsoft) in the past has proven to have been detrimental and has taken the municipality backwards. The municipality will ensure that those who are entrusted with the decision of improving the lives of residents account. Accountability is important in ensuring that municipal officials are accountable for the decisions taken while executing their responsibilities.
“The Endumeni residents will once again be able to access free, reliable, user-friendly financial information every time they transact or enquire with the municipality.”