METRO SAYS IT WILL BE Y2K READY

30 November, 1999 15:00

PRESS RELEASE

METRO SAYS IT WILL BE Y2K READY.

The Durban Metro and Central Councils are confident that the Year 2000 phenomenon has been addressed in a responsible manner and that all services currently provided will continue into the new millennium.

"The Metro Council provides many essential and valuable services, services to its communities and customers and as such, we simply cannot afford to fail in the delivery of these services as a result of "Year 2000" problems," says Chief Executive Officer, Eddie Morton."The Council recognises the Year 2000 phenomenon as a critical business issue and not merely an information technology problem."

The Y2K project started unofficially in June 1997 with extensive research into the Y2K phenomenon and included visits to other larger local authorities in SA. Official project teams were created and the project formalised in January 1998. The scope of the project includes Durban Metro Council Service Units as well as those of the North/South Central Councils.

Five consulting companies were engaged to perform various sub project functions in conjunction with the Council Project teams. Metro Council's Executive Committee approved a budget in April 1998 of R56-million for the project.

The scope of the project includes all computers, system and operating software, and other software, user data, internal and external electronic interfaces, network devices, embedded systems, customers, suppliers and business partners, and contingency planning, all within the Service Units of the Metro and North/Central Councils. The phases of the project are in accordance with international best practices.

The areas which could pose the highest risk to the Councils and Communities in a worst case scenario in the Durban Metro area are: Electricity and Water Reticulation, Sewage Treatment and disposal, Area Traffic Control (Traffic signals), Revenue Systems (Billing & Rates), and Human Resources (Payroll).

The project addresses Y2K readiness of all date related entities within the Council's sphere of operation. Council employees have been dedicated to the project and use is being made of specialist external consulting resources where necessary.

By August 10 1999, the rectification and implementation of most projects had been completed and testing will continue until the end of the year. Contingency planning for all high risk areas is well underway and will be completed by the end of September.


Gavin Phelps, Project Manager and Coordinator for the project has recently returned from a two week study of Federal and Local Government initiatives in the USA and has found that the Durban Metro project is in line with world best practice standards.

"We are confident that we have worked with dedication and vigilance to ensure that we will be Y2K ready," he said.

"Against this background there is no reason to believe that there will be any disruption of electricity, water, or any other services in the New Year."

ends