'ICT infrastructure key to national development'

GOVERNMENT has identified the development of ICT infrastructure as central to the realisation of Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 by making it a key priority on the nation's developmental agenda.

In this regard, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) last week commissioned a Multi-Operator Radio Access Network site at Gachegache along Lake Kariba to bridge the digital gap between urban and rural communities.

Speaking at the commissioning, Information Communication Technology and Courier Services Minister Kazembe Kazembe encouraged Potraz to place more focus on network base construction to ensure connectivity of all Zimbabweans.

"This will ensure that the country will not keep losing out on the connectivity dividend and the potential socio-economic benefits of a connected society," he said.

He said the development had seen all the country's three major mobile network operators providing network services in the Nyaminyami District using one base station.

Minister Kazembe said growth in ICT infrastructure, connectivity, access and use promised great development opportunities for individual communities and the nation at large. He called for the regulatory authority to educate people in Nyaminyami on ICT knowledge so that they will recognise the advantages availed to them.

"Having brought them connectivity, let us handhold and assist the people of Nyaminyami as they take their initial steps in the world of connected communities," said Minister Kazembe.

Minister of State Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs Mary Mliswa-Chikoka pleaded with Government not to forget other marginalised areas in the province which are not yet connected.