JICA supports NWSDB to transform operations with digital solution

Tuesday, 17 October 2023 01:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) is set to digitalise its operations with the introduction of a cutting-edge Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) with the support extended by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

JICA delivered comprehensive recommendations to enhance project implementation efficiency and effectiveness in May 2023. Accordingly, further support to develop EDMS to transform NWSDB’s operations was agreed.

Last week a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was agreed by NSWDB Chairman Nishantha Ranatunga, JICA Chief Representative Tetsuya Yamada, and Cyclomax International Ltd., Managing Director K.P.N.I Wickremasinghe.

Cyclomax will support NWSDB to develop the EDMS to digitalise NWSDB’s operations.

Key highlights of this EDMS initiative include: Geographical Efficiency: with operations spanning across Sri Lanka, NWSDB generates a substantial volume of documents processed manually. The EDMS will digitise these documents and digitalise its workflows, ensuring administrative efficiency and productivity.

Resource Optimisation: In response to the prevailing economic crisis, NWSDB is shifting towards a more skilled and greener organisation. This transition is coupled with the introduction of the EDMS for transforming its entire operations, ensuring an efficient, effective, transparent and eco-friendly approach to its resource management.

Project Acceleration: NWSDB is actively expanding piped water coverage nationwide. The EDMS will expedite project implementation through digitalising documents exchange and approval procedures, eliminating unnecessary delays.

With the steadfast support of JICA, NWSDB is aligning itself with guidance of the Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development (MW&EID) aimed at optimising resource usage, promoting business efficiency and ensuring financial sustainability. This transformation underlines NWSDB’s unwavering commitment to modernisation, operational efficiency, and sustainability to improve the services to all of its customers.

JICA said it is proud to be a part of this endeavour, delivering sustainable solutions and fostering a greener, more connected future.