Capital Development Authority (CDA) signed an agreement for ‘electronic payment of property tax, water and allied charges billing system’ with MCB Bank for the collection of online tax payment here at Jinnah Convention Centre, on Tuesday.
When asked about the progress on the initiative of the authority for providing free Wi-Fi in the capital, he said that it was in process. “CDA had written to the chief commissioner of ICT for that facility but the local administration was not entertaining and termed it a ‘security-threat’. It is beyond my mind that how it could be a security threat,” he urged.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the digital marketing head of MCB Mr Ali Naqvi, DG Admin Nadeem Akbar Malik and DD revenue Malik Altaf.
Member Admin Yasir Pirzada termed it a great move to change the mindsets of citizens with technology. While briefing media about the initiatives taken by the incumbent management of CDA, he said that several initiatives had been taken while few were at an advanced stage which on launching, would help address the issue of general public more efficiently.
It is noted that in the first phase, the members having accounts in MCB could use this facility. Pirzada, answering a query said that CDA would also sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Allied Bank in a week. He said that CDA would sign this with all the big four banks.
Pirzada said that by the signing of an agreement for electronic payment of property tax, water and allied charges billing system with MCB Bank for collection of online tax payment, residents of the city would be able to deposit their taxes and other charges pertaining to CDA with ease and comfort without visiting CDA office time and again. There would be no additional charges on this service and agreement with other banks would also be signed soon to make this procedure easier, he further added.
He said that in order to facilitate citizens in a more befitting manner, Islamabad city App has been developed by CDA. This App would be available on Google play store. With the help of this App, one would have access to the information regarding nearby places, tour spots, services being provided and other facilities in the city. He said that android system based App has been designed with the assistance of NITB and no expenditure was incurred on the development of the App.
Member administration said that in order to replace the practice of traditional filing system with latest digital filing in the Authority, it was decided to introduce E-filling. In this context, concrete steps were taken and the system had been initially installed at different formations, falling under administration wing. More than 200 employees had been trained for this venture. While answering a question, member administration said that although, there were challenges regarding scanning and digitalisation of previous records but once the system would become fully operational this would not only eliminate unnecessary delays but would also help ensure transparency and merit in the civic agency.
Member Administration Muhammad Yasir Pirzada further said that in house complaint management system had also been introduced in CDA. Under this complaint management system, a mechanism was devised to track the complaint right from its registration and till the disposal of complaint.
Every head of the formation had been assigned a ’DASH BOARD’ which would show the progress on complaints pertaining to the subject formation. Furthermore, a feedback from the residents would be also sought to evaluate the performance of the concerned formation or directorate.
On this occasion, member administration CDA Muhammad Yasir Pirzada, director general administration CDA, senior management of MCB Bank, top management of National Information Technology Board (NITB) and journalists from electronic and print media were also present.
