Besides having good internal controls and accounting practices, a robust computerised accounting system is definitely helpful to process voluminous transactions ("AHTC needs more staff to fix lapses, say auditors"; last Friday, and "AHTC awards contract for new accounting system"; July 31).

Very often, off-the-shelf accounting software may not be suitable.

As a qualified accountant, I have been involved in the implementation of computerised accounting systems.

Computerisation is never cheap and system implementation is an uphill task.

If the Ministry of National Development (MND) were to own the existing Town Council Management System software and make it compulsory to be used, regardless of political party managing the town council, things could turn out differently for Aljunied-Hougang Town Council (AHTC).

I reckon AHTC's new accounting system may become a white elephant if there is a change of political party. Therefore, I hope MND will act in everyone's best interests to have its own proprietary accounting system for use by all town councils.

Lee Soh Hong (Ms)