The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced a significant move towards digitalization by transitioning all its payments to a cashless digital system. This decision is aimed at ensuring a more transparent, efficient, and streamlined financial framework for the city’s administrative operations. The shift to a fully cashless system is expected to significantly reduce the risks associated with manual cash handling and improve financial accountability within the CDA.
This transformative decision was made during the fourth CDA Board meeting, which was chaired by Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa. All board members were present during the meeting, where the initiative to modernize the CDA’s financial operations was discussed and approved. The primary objective of this initiative is to streamline the payment processes, making them quicker, more secure, and more transparent, in line with the global trend of cashless transactions.
One of the key highlights shared during the meeting was the successful transition of payments for 165 services provided at the One Window Operation to a digital system. This move marks a major milestone in the CDA’s digital journey. Additionally, the integration of water tanker charges and Islamabad Water accounts with QR code-based cashless payments was also revealed. This development makes it easier for residents to settle water-related bills digitally, eliminating the need for physical cash payments and enhancing the overall user experience.
The CDA also outlined its plans for the future, with officials briefing the board that the transition to digital payments will eventually cover all financial transactions across various departments. These will include fines levied by the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA), Environment, and Enforcement departments. The goal is to move towards a completely cashless system for all CDA operations, creating a more efficient and transparent framework for financial management.
In addition to the shift to digital payments, the board approved the implementation of the SAP double-entry accounting system within the CDA. This advanced system will improve financial management by providing a more structured and transparent accounting process, ensuring that all transactions are recorded accurately. As part of the initiative, CDA officials were instructed to compile a complete record of the authority’s assets by the end of the fiscal year. This comprehensive approach will help in maintaining an up-to-date inventory of all CDA-owned properties and assets.
Chairman Randhawa also emphasized the importance of preparing a corporate-style financial report that will detail the CDA’s achievements and targets for the year. This report will serve as a transparent record of the authority’s progress, helping to ensure accountability and track performance against set goals.
To facilitate the successful implementation of the new system, CDA will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Controller General of Pakistan next week. This partnership will be crucial in ensuring the smooth rollout of the SAP system and the integration of digital payment solutions. Furthermore, a dedicated committee has been established to oversee the identification of all CDA properties rented out in Islamabad. The committee will be led by the Member Finance and will include key personnel from various departments, such as the Director of Land, Director of Municipal Administration, and Director General of Building Control Section.
This strategic move by the CDA is expected to not only enhance the efficiency of the authority’s operations but also contribute to the broader goal of modernizing public sector financial management in Pakistan. By embracing digital solutions, the CDA is setting a strong precedent for other governmental and municipal bodies to follow, driving the country towards a future where digitalization and transparency go hand in hand.