‘Use ICT to enhance transparency in public services’
DODOMA: THE government has directed heads of public institutions to promote the use of various Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) systems in implementing official duties to enhance transparency and accountability in service delivery.
These systems include the Public Service and Salary Information System (e-Watumishi) and the Public Services System (ESS), which features e-Performance, eTransfer, e-Loans, e-Leave and e-Salary slip.
Other systems include the Human Resources Needs Assessment System (HR Assessment), the Networked Office System (e-Office), the Government Email System (GMS), alternative e-Permits, the Employment System (Ajira Portal), and the Citizen Feedback Management System (e-Mrejesho).
Speaking during a working session with heads of public institutions held in Dodoma yesterday, the Minister of State in the President’s Office, Public Service Management and Good Governance, Mr George Simbachawene, said these systems continue to drive operational reforms and improve service delivery, ensuring citizens are served more quickly, cost-effectively, and efficiently.
He stated that some of the challenges addressed by these systems include enabling top authorities to assess the performance of public servants and take appropriate action.
The systems have also improved work efficiency and allowed service recipients to track the resolution of complaints online, rather than traveling long distances to service centres, thereby reducing costs for both public servants and citizens when following up on various government-related matters.
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Moreover, the Minister noted that the President’s Office, Public Service Management and Good Governance, continues to develop the Government Service Directory, which will allow citizens and public servants to understand the services provided by public institutions, associated costs, and the procedures for obtaining them.
“The existence of this directory will help control rogue elements that exploit government services, as all government services will be transparent. For example, services provided by TANESCO and various licensing processes,” he said.
The Minister further instructed heads of institutions to continue managing human resources in line with laws, regulations, procedures, and guidelines, ensuring their offices fully adopt and utilise the Public Service Management and Accountability Systems developed by the President’s Office, Public Service Management and Good Governance.
He directed that staff data in the Integrated Public Service and Salary Information System (e-Watumishi) be cleaned to enable sound decision-making on various public service matters.
He also emphasised the need to stop submitting or processing physical copies of requests related to human resources, as these are now handled through the systems.
Additionally, the Minister instructed Directors of Local Government Authorities to allocate new job vacancies in accordance with staffing plans and budget guidelines, prioritising areas with significant staff shortages to enhance service delivery to citizens.
On the other hand, he called for ongoing training for public servants to help them adapt to continuous changes and acquire skills to keep up with global developments.
He also underscored the importance of maintaining workplace ethics, including safeguarding government secrets, and taking appropriate action if ethical standards are violated by staff under their supervision.
