Mhlathuze Water, northern Zululand`s principal bulk water operator, has upgraded its IT infrastructure to support its value-added services. Mhlathuze has upgraded its HP servers to run its Willows financial software, its laboratory information systems and its water analysis history. The hardware upgrade was supplied by Computer Configurations.
"In terms of the new services act, Mhlathuze now competes with other water providers, and it is important for us to add value to our services," says IT manager Koos van der Merwe. "Information we gather regarding water quality, catchment areas, effluent treatment and discharge, enables us to add value to the services we provide, and help us compete against private companies." Mhlathuze`s major customers include Alusaf, Mondi, Richard`s Bay Mining, and Indian Ocean Fertilisers.
Van der Merwe adds that the responsibilities of Mhlathuze Water include planning and implementing mechanisms to provide potable water to some one million people living in the area who do not have access to a water supply.
"Water is a finite resource, yet we have to find ways of supplying an increasing consumer base. For that reason information needs to be gathered over a period of years, analysed and used to develop the best solutions."
Computer Configurations, as Mhlathuze`s technology partner, has provided Mhlathuze water with cost-efficient systems, says Van der Merwe. "We are located in a pretty remote area, and we need stable systems that require the minimum of support. For applications running on both NT and Unix platforms, Computer Configurations have given us trouble-free upgrades, systems integration and data mirroring.
"With support such as that, we have been able to implement the first catchment monitoring programme in the area, a highly sophisticated water analysis process, an emergency water transfer scheme in the event of drought, and an environment-friendly effluent disposal system," continues Van der Merwe. "Supported by a stable technology infrastructure, these operations have translated into profitable services, and have made us strongly competitive in the region."
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