Mutare City introduces stakeholders’ Chartbot

Ellen Mlambo
MIRROR REPORTER

ZIM AGRIC SHOW-City of Mutare has partnered Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) to develop a WhatsApp Chartbot for fast service delivery.
Council corporate communications officer Spren Mutiwi told Chipinge Times at the ongoing Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) that the system is corruption free.
He said currently the system is being used as a self-serving parking system.
“The steps for self-serving parking are that one sends a message on the WhatsApp number, it gives an option to open menu for choosing services they want. After selecting the option for self-serving parking, one is given an indication on whether they want to buy a ticket, check vehicle status or to clear arrears.
“We have had complaints of motorists complaining that our parking marshal are not visible and the Chartbot is meant to address that. One has to simply send a message on the WhatsApp number until they pay using Ecocash. We are still developing the Chartbot so that we incorporate other mobile service providers,” he said.
Mutiwi added that the system is efficient, effective and eliminates elements of corruption within the network.
He added that the system is a way of embracing technology and innovation to improve their stakeholder engagement and brand visibility.
He added supervisors can also check on the status of the vehicle using another gadget.
“We are moving away from the traditional mode of service delivery into the modern trend which is part of the smart city concept that we are pursuing.
“Residents nolonger need to visit council offices to communicate with officials or to lodge a query, they simply need to have our WhatsApp number on the chartbot, 0771 067 779. The system which uses WhatsApp platform gives residents steps and processes after sending a message until they register either their query or input they wish to submit,” he said.
Mutisi also added that residents can now submit their input to budget consultations using the chartbot.
“Gone is the era where we would bring people under one roof, with this system, each and everyone will be having equal space in terms of contributing to service delivery,”said Mutiwi.