Govt pledges to expand ICT to the rural areas

The government has underscored its commitment to expand infrastructure development for Information, Communication Technology (ICT) and reach out to the rural areas and enhance communication coverage.

This was revealed by the Acting Principal Director in the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Courier and Postal Services, Beaulla Chirume.

In an interview on the side-lines of the base station commissioning at Crossdale Primary School in Nyanga South constituency, Mrs Chirume underscored that expansion of ICT infrastructure is top on the government agenda in order to service all the rural areas.

She said despite the mountainous terrain in some provinces, the government is determined to reach out to all the rural areas and improve communication and the socio, economic development in line with the technological global trends.

Chief Saunyama of Nyanga bemoaned poor mobile communication coverage in Nyanga due to the mountainous terrain and implored the government to come up with gap filling measures in order to improve communication systems.

He noted through the use of ICT's in some parts of Nyanga that has given birth to the use of tele medicine facilities with rural health centres now connected to the district hospital.

Acting Chief Executive Officer for NetOne, Mr Brian Mutandiro noted the government's infrastructure sharing decision amongst the players is the step in the right direction that will enhance network coverage with minimum investment

The government is also finalising structures towards the roll out of the US$25 million ICT innovation fund aimed at availing financial resources to support start up of technological projects.

The Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Courier and Postal Services has since made significant progress in setting up the ICT innovation fund which is meant to bankroll technological projects which have social and economic impact.