The Information Technology (IT) section is the driving force for the Council’s information technology which makes it possible for all the other sections and departments to access information with ease.

The section is the gateway of Council to the outside world using the internet and is also responsible for the electronic payment that can be made through the various banks in the country.

The Section deals with long term planning for the development of the IT infrastructure, including contingency for disaster recovery.

It also looks at medium term planning for upgrading and maintaining systems, assigning budget constraints, deciding out outsourcing parts of the IT function to external companies.

The section’s main duty is to ensure that the Council’s IT systems run efficiently with minimal downtime, and to provide one “on-one support to its users.

Sub-Sections

The Information Technology Section is divided into three sub-sections which are:

• Data capturing section
• Operations section
• Development & Support Section

Data capturing section

It is responsible for:

• Capturing meter readings for domestic and commercial properties within the city
• Producing reports for meters that have not been read in a particular month
• Correction of meter readings as directed by the meter readings section.

Operations section

This subsection is responsible for:

• Overseeing the operation of computer hardware and software systems, ensuring that the machines are used as efficiently and securely as possible.
• Perform and monitor routine tasks, such as daily tape backup, and basic maintenance
• Producing and printing reports for the users in the entire council. The section also deals with hardware and software support and maintenance. The software part of it include installing and maintaining application programs like Microsoft word, operating systems (windows 98,windows XP etc.) and anti-virus programs.
• Troubleshooting the network
• Facilitating the movement of computer assets within and outside Council Premises
• Maintenance of the computer assets Register
• Distribution of printing stationary
• Help with the acquisition of new computer equipment

Development & Support Section

This section consists of programmers and systems analysts, some of whose duties include:

• The following are the duties of programmers
• Producing and running queries on AS400
• To develop new computer programming methods
• Billing of council accounts
• The development of programs
• Fix any program errors that might occur
• Adjustments of tariffs as they are reviewed upwards or downwards
• Monitoring tasks to ensure that the programs work as they are supposed to.
• Oversee the work of co-workers and subordinates on a daily basis.
• The maintenance of computer databases
• Responsible for providing technical support to user departments
• Installing, supporting, and maintaining servers or other computer systems.
• Installing and configuring new hardware and software
• Performing backups
• Troubleshooting any reported problems.
• Ensuring that the network infrastructure is up and running.
• Revamping existing computer systems for new tasks
• Testing and debugging new or revamped computer systems and the networks on which they communicate
• System support
• User training

The Information Technology Manager

The IT Manager runs this section at Bulawayo City Council. The IT Manager plays a vital role in the implementation and administration of computer technology within the organisation.

The following are some of his duties:

• Plans, coordinates, and directs research on the computer-related activities of Bulawayo CityCouncil
• Supervises workers who deal with the daily information technology issues of the organisation.
• Ensures the availability, continuity, and security of data and information technology servicesin the organisation.
• Meetings with potential suppliers, who want to be engaged in dealing with Bulawayo City Council,for example, computer vendors, Software Developers and Hardware Repair Specialists.
• Writing reports and recommendations to Council on what needs to be done to improve the Computer infrastructure at Bulawayo City Council.
• In consultation with other managers, IT manager helps determine the goals of the organisationand then implement the technology to meet those goals.
• Oversee all technical aspect of the organisation, such as software development, network security,and Internet operations.
• Plans and coordinates activities such as installing and upgrading hardware and software, programming and systems design, the implementation of computer networks, and the development of Internet and intranet sites.
• Analyses the computer and information needs of the organisation from an operational and strategic perspective and determine immediate and long-range personnel and equipment requirements
• Plays a pivotal role in the recruitment, selection and employment process of IT personnel.
• Handles all the conflicts between employees in the Section.