Government Service Bus launched

THE Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Smart Zambia officially unveiled an online payment solution under an integrated system called the Government Service Bus (GSB).  Deputy Secretary to Cabinet Martin Mtonga said payments will be done using a debit card or other mobile service means to avoid the queueing up of clients at various government institutions to access the services of the agency.  Mr Mtonga who is also the Smart Zambia National Coordinator said the payment will be adopted using mobile service providers such as Zamtel Airtel, MTN and ZOONA.  Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on the CopperbeltMinister Japhen Mwakalombe at Provincial Administration in Ndola, he said the innovation had started with RTSA where four services such as the road fitness, road tax, licences and renewal of licenses are fully online. “About eight services have been integrated under the innovation this year so far over 20 would be done before the end of 2020,” he added.  Mr Mtonga said government aims at incorporating about 212 government services in the next two years’ time under the GSB.  The innovation would not only ease access of government services but would also seal revenue loopholes on delayed payments as well as avoid audit queries.  And RTSA Chief Executive Officer Gladwell Banda said the online payment portal was unveiled to the public on April 17 this year  And Copperbelt Minister Japhen Mwakalombe said the service would enhance efficiency as well as productivity in the country.  Mr Mwakalombe said the Copperbelt was excited as it consisted of a good number of transporters who needed to access services efficiently from RTSA. – ZANIS. The Sun