WHAT IS THE BUZZ ABOUT Y2K FOR THE CITY OF DURBAN?

30 September, 1999 15:00

Enquiries: Gavin Phelps Tel 365-3922

WHAT IS THE BUZZ ABOUT Y2K FOR THE CITY OF DURBAN?

Living in this concrete jungle it's hard to miss all the talk about Y2K.
In recognising that the Year 2000 phenomenon is a critical business issue and not merely an information technology problem, the process to address the Y2K implications within the Council, its business partners and customers, started approximately two years ago.

Uppermost in everybody's mind in the Durban Metro area is the issue of wheather the Council will provide basic services to its customers in the year 2000, especially electricity and water. The continued supply of electricity and water is of vital importance, not only to the Council's customers and business partners, but also to the Council itself.

Durban Metro Electricity's financial packages are fully compliant. With regard to the distribution of electricity, an exchange of information agreement has been entered into with Eskom. Durban Metro Electricity is party to Eskom's detailed test plans and the actual results obtained.

The Water Services Business Unit have engaged the services of specialist systems and process consultants for the continued supply of water and the treatment and disposal of sewage.

The Y2K project covers all computer hardware, system software, application software, electronic interfaces, network intelligent devices, embedded systems, suppliers, customers and business partners throughout the Metro area.

The project has the full sponsorship, support and commitment of Executive Management and the Councils. A substantial budget has been provided. Council employees have been dedicated to the project with the use of specialist external consulting resources where necessary. An independent audit will be conducted by external auditors.

The council has set itself a deadline of September 30, 1999 to have all aspects of the Year 2000 problem completed and compliance tested, especially the high risk business areas.

The area traffic control system, software which control traffic lights, are being addressed to ensure a smooth flow of traffic in the year 2000.

Most importantly, the Council is formulating contingency plans for all high risk business areas in case things go awry or the unexpected happens.

Finally, service providers to the Council are being assessed in regard to compliance progress and alternate plans are being put into place where necessary.

The Council wishes to assure the Durban Metropolitan communities, businesses, customers, and business partners that it is doing its best to ensure that there is no disruption of basic services in the Year 2000.

For more information contact Gavin Phelps, the Y2K Project Manager on 365-3922 or Lunga Madlala, Director-Information Services on 365-3912.