A solution for the effective monitoring of emergency reconstruction and disaster relief in South Africa has been developed by Geographical Information System (GIS) solution provider AfriGIS for the Bigen Africa-BT Mongwe Consortium. The consortium is responsible for the development of an information management system for financial and project management at the Command Centre responsible for the Emergency Reconstruction Programme.

"Essentially, the system is a financial and project management tool that enables 24 h communication and information exchange between the various parties involved in the emergency reconstruction programme," explains AfriGIS functional specialist Wilhelm du Toit. "These include national and provincial command centres, national and provincial departments, project consultants, contractors, and the consortium itself. Consequently, it was decided to implement the management tool as a web enabled system, known as www.recon.co.za "

AfriGIS was responsible for the development of the relevant software for the site. "The main objective was to enable the fast-tracking of emergency reconstruction project management and execution, while simultaneously ensuring coordination between the various parties and the continued availability of information," says Du Toit.

"Since the site became operational in November 2000 it has played an integral role in streamlining the management and reporting on emergency reconstruction projects," declares Bigen Africa Project Manager C.J. Venter. "Information about emergency reconstruction projects is available to a large target audience, ranging from the general public to members of Cabinet. Information is provided at a level of detail that suits the viewer's specific needs.

"AfriGIS has a proven track record and is renowned for its innovative web solutions. Consequently, response to recon.co.za has been positive and it is enjoying nationwide exposure," Venter concludes.

AfriGIS

(012) 362 3114

lydette@afrigis.co.za

www.afrigis.co.za