Works goes online with electronic payment system

The Works and Highways Department has launched its Electronic Funds Transfer [EFT] system and GoLive implementation on Tuesday, to replace the traditional paper checks.

Works and Highways is the latest department to roll out the EFT system apart from Parliament and the National Executive Council.

The rollout of EFT is part of ongoing government reforms led by the Finance Department to do away with check payments by 2027.

Speaking at the launch, Works Secretary, Gibson Holemba said the migration to EFT marks a major improvement in the department's financial management ensuring accountability and transparency.

“I hope the system improvement in terms of going into EFT process will help us cut down this bureaucratic process on payment system to at least bring in efficiency in the public service and help to also restore accountability, transparency and most importantly the reporting aspect of it.” he said.

Holemba thanked finance departments for taking the lead and said this improved system will make a difference in implementation of Government programs.

First Assistant Secretary to Finance Department, Marlene Phillip acknowledged Works for coming on board and emphasized the importance of adopting electronic payment system.

“We are so excited that you guys are going to try a trial on the first account and then the operating account and the other accounts and I'm happy to say that we are rolling out to all the government agencies.” She said.

The EFT system is expected to deliver benefits including faster payment processing, reduce payment delays, improve financial accountability and audit trails, reduce the risk of fraud, check loss and a lower administrative cost.