Tanzania: E-Payment System Doubles Efficiency At TPA

The government of Tanzania is championing the utilization of online services or Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to improve delivery of government information and services to citizens.

One of notable government institutions which are committed to the use of ICT or online services is Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) which has embarked on electronic payment system (e-payment) as part of improving efficiency and modernising the port.

Correspondent Aziza Charles looks at this positive move and its benefits to the public and port stakeholders at large.

The world is changing very fast in every aspect of life. One of the changes we are witnessing is accessing various services through Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Individuals, institutions and governments strive to align themselves to benefit from the advancement of technologies we are witnessing today.

For example, the government of Tanzania is championing e-government which is the utilization of online services to deliver government information and services to citizens.

E-government Agency has been established to back these efforts. One of the government institutions that are fast embracing this system is Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) through efficient implementation of electronic payment (e-payment) of services offered to citizens and clients from within and outside of Tanzania.

According to authority's Acting Director, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department, Mr. Kilian Chale the system enables timely payment of services, hence enhancing efficiency. Another advantage is accessibility of payment systems through telephone, internet banking, and mobile banking.

Another advantage of e-payment system is its safety and reliability. People will no longer need to physically carry millions of money for services or goods.

"This is expected to reduce the risk of losing huge sums of money through robbery," Mr. Chale says. Through this system, no paper invoices are being used. Instead, all invoices are available electronically.

All port payment services are being done electronically. "This is one of measures to improve port services and make it efficient," says Mr. Chale, adding that it will help in strengthening port operations 24/7. The new e-payment system started being operational 0n 14th July this year.

Mr. Chale notes that TPA is strengthening the e-payment system by involving more mobile telephone companies, banks and other providers such as Selcom Wireless and MaxMalipo.

According to the official, the new system also seeks to implement Big Results Now (BRN) initiative and reduce operational costs. The Acting Communications Manager at TPA, Ms. Janeth Ruzangi says through the new electronic payment system, customers are able to get invoice information including Payment Reference Number (PRN) and knowing the status of payments.

The information can be accessed after entering a Bill of Lading number at www. tpapayments.com/search. Registered customers such as freight forwarders and shipping agents have to visit www.tpapayments.com by using their Usernames and Passwords to get invoices.

"This system bears no charges," she notes. A customer must have a PRN to make payments through mobile phones, internet banking, point of sale specifically the CRDB's Fahari Huduma and bank through using tellers.

She calls upon dry ports and Tanzania International Container Terminal Ltd (TICTS) to initiate a similar system to further improve services at the port.

After effecting payments, customers will have to continue with a next stage of taking his cargo from the port. The Acting Dar es Salaam Port Manager, Mr. Hebel Mhanga says port stakeholders should strengthen and further utilise the use of electronic payment systems (E-Payment) when paying for the services at the largest port in the country.

Mr. Mhanga says that proper utilisation of e-payment systems will greatly help bring efficiency at the port. "We must conform to ICT changes taking place," he says.

He notes that apart from bringing efficiency, electronic services bring transparency and help to fight corruption. "Our customers can utilise such services as explained in our website or use mobile payment systems," he says.

He further explains that there is no reason for port customers to effect their payments at the port and that technology has made it possible for them to do so wherever they are.

It must be remembered that in March this year, TPA completed a major ICT project connecting the headquarter office and its 13 branches throughout the country.

The functioning project connects TPA with the Tanzania T e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Company Limited (TTCL) Fiber Optic Cable through a system called Multiprotocal Label Switching Virtual Private Network (MPLS VPN).

Through MPLS VPN system, TPA's voice, data and internet services have become efficient and facilitate in improving services. "This project implemented by TTCL helps us improve ports' services and those for our clients," Mr. Chale notes.

TPA's branches connected with the system include Headquarter office, Mwanza Port, Kigoma Port, Mtwara Port, Tanga port, Dar es Salaam Port, Mafia Port, Lindi Port, Kilwa, Pemba, Bukoba, Nansio and Musoma Ports.

According to Mr. Chale, communication between one port and another now use CISCO extension that is less expensive and efficient. "Paper works have tremendously dropped, hence increasing in efficiency," he notes. The project is part of the ongoing efforts to improve Tanzania's ports and make them competitive.

TTCL's Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Senzige Kisenge hails TPA for the decision to upgrade ICT infrastructure. "TPA decision conforms to the government's mission to use technology in attaining sustainable development," he says.

The project is a major step for TPA's digital transformation that helps the authority to improve quality of services and increase in trade.

SOURCE:TANZANIA DAILY NEWS