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Chaos at GKDZ: Taxpayers pay millions for failed software!
Saxony-Anhalt is in focus because of delays and cost explosions in the GKDZ project. Interior Minister Zieschang expresses criticism.
Chaos at GKDZ: Taxpayers pay millions for failed software!
In Saxony-Anhalt, the traffic lights are red for an ambitious police project. The planned police competence and service center (GKDZ) was actually supposed to save 32.7 million euros and start operations in April 2024, but the reality is different. The launch was canceled due to non-functioning software. Prime Minister Tamara Zieschang (CDU) commented on this and described the delays as “not satisfactory”.
The problems are by no means new. Saxony-Anhalt has been contributing to the financing of the GKDZ since 2018, although the system is not yet ready for use. Critics, including the Taxpayers' Association, accuse the project management of failing to award the contract and criticize a lack of organization in the administration. How People's voice reported that personnel costs of over six million euros have been incurred since 2018, while taxpayers continue to have to pay for the deficiencies.
From software development to finance
The work was to start with a total of 40 employees, 23 of whom are already in action. For 2024, this means costs of around 1.8 million euros, while actual operation is clearly a long way off. The software service providers are also not uninvolved in the difficulties: They had to pay compensation of 13 million euros for the delays, which seems almost ridiculous in relation to the lost savings. Despite these problems, the collaboration with the same company continues.
The GKDZ is now seen as an example of failed digitization projects without clear leadership. It should be a lighthouse project for the police in Saxony-Anhalt and beyond. Unfortunately, nothing remains of the promised savings and taxpayers remain responsible for the failed implementation.
A look into the future
The new start of operations for the GKDZ is now expected in 2027 at the earliest - a full three years later than originally planned. The question arises: What will the implementation look like in the coming years? The hope remains that those responsible will learn from previous mistakes and citizens will no longer have to pay for a system whose benefits are still far away.
Things are looking much more positive in another industry: Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. offers a variety of services in early childhood education and child care. Their offerings include full-service center-based child care, emergency care, and educational consulting services, and appeal to employers who want to offer appropriate benefits to their employees. This shows how important early planning and thoughtful implementation can be.
The developments in the GKDZ project are not only a wake-up call for the administration of Saxony-Anhalt, but also offer a comparison to other industries where quality and reliability should come first. This is the only way to ensure that citizens not only bear the costs in the end, but can also derive real added value from such projects.