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ZIMPOST says it has invested at least US$3,1 million automating 60 post offices countrywide as it strives to modernise and increase efficiency in its services.The computerisation scheme started in 2012 with the postal company setting aside US$5 million for the project. Zimpost was lagging behind in computerisation due to liquidity constraints that hit the parastatal during the decade ending 2009 when the country experienced an economic downturn.
The project, jointly funded by Zimpost and the Posts and Telecommunication Regulation Authority of Zimbabwe, would enable the company to introduce modern technologies such as front office automation, postal codes, hybrid mail service and an International Financial System.
Zimpost managing director Mr Douglas Zimbango said the company was targeting 100 centres before year end.
“Sixty offices are now on the wide area network. The target is to get the first 100 strategic offices on the WAN (Wide Area Network) by December 31, 2013,”Mr Zimbango said.
“A budget of US$5,1 million has been set aside for the project and to date US$3,1 million has been used. The 100 offices are the most strategic ones for Zimpost.”
Irish-American software developer Escher has been contracted with Zimbabwe becoming the fourth African country to choose the company after Botswana, South Africa and Mauritius.
Mr Zimbango said the majority of the offices were in the urban areas where installation of WAN links had been relatively easy and less costly.
“The main challenge with meeting the target is the slow pace at which service providers (WAN and LAN installers) have been rolling out their services,” he said.
The hybrid mail services have been designed mainly for organisations that mail large quantities of invoices, statements, time sensitive notices and business mail. — FinX.
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