by Grace Chekai

The Public Finance Management Enhancement Project (PFMEP) is said to have gathered momentum despite the disruptive effects of COVID- 19, Harare Post has learnt.

This was revealed in the Zimbabwe Reconstruction Fund (Zimref) document that was posted yesterday on Social Media.

“The Public Finance Management Enhancement Project (PFMEP) continues to gain momentum irrespective of the disruptive effects of COVID-19.

“The project team remains resolute in project activities implementation despite the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown,” stated the document.

The document stated some commendable progress mostly in project activities of a virtual nature as having been achieved.

“System based project activities have become more lively with increased access to remote connectivity to Users and service providers.

“The Government of Zimbabwe and its Development partners have commendably provided required resources (VPN Lines, Sim Cards and Data) to realize remote connectivity.

“Project activities that require virtual interaction between project team members and service providers have similarly benefited immensely from availed virtual communication platforms and tools,” stated the document.

The document also commended the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services (ICT) team's efforts for being outstanding in this work.

The document listed the notable accomplishments for the project to date as follows;

“The availing of PFMS system remote connectivity to system users. Users and service providers are now able to access the PFMS  system from home, the successful completion of the ZIMRA Interface, commendable progress on the critical interface between the PFMS system and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ).

“Commendable progress in the Business Planning and Consolidation Module, Business Intelligence and Web Portal and the installation of Air Conditioning (AC) units at all 63 kiosks and training centres as agreed in the contract,” stated the document.

However, logistical glitches still exist in areas that need physical interventions these includes delays in the delivery of solar equipment for all kiosks as well as computers and printers for phase 2 and 3 of kiosk implementations.

The document has stated that despite all these challenges, the project will be completed by 31 December 2020.