By Tendai Chisiri
Government is reaffirming its commitment to the attainment of a digital economy and a knowledge society for all Zimbabweans said minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Dr Jenfan Muswere at the launch of Community Information Centres (CICs) in Harare Province on Tuesday.
Ten CICs were commissioned by the minister at Amby, Causeway, Mt Pleasant, Emerald Hill, Mabelreign, Belvedere, Kambuzuma, Highfields, Glen bnorah and Glen view post offices .
Speaking at the launch ceremony at Glen view Post Office minister said this was in line with the national vision of attaining Upper-Middle Income society by 2030.
“The National Development Strategy (NDS1) emphasises the Digital Economy as one of the fourteen national priorities for the period 2021 – 2025. This economic blueprint, which provides a roadmap in our journey “Towards a prosperous and empowered Upper-Middle Income society by 2030”, is anchored on a digitally enabled economy as the National Key Results Area for outcomes leading to improved access and usage of ICTs”, Muswere said.
“The inclusion of the digital economy in this important economic blueprint bears testimony to our commitment as government, to take advantage of ICTs and other emerging technologies to transform the lives of the general populace in our country”, he added.
“Access to ICTs and effective participation in the digital economy remains critical in improving the quality of life for all the people of Zimbabwe – those in cities and towns and those in rural areas alike”, he said.
He also said launching Community Information Centres in Harare is indeed an important milestone as it complements Governments efforts towards attainment of the National Development Strategy One (NDS1) and of course – Vision 2030.
Telecommunications service providers Econet, Telecel, Telone and Netone graced the launch ceremony at Glen view Post Office.
“One such project, which is leaving no one and no place behind is the Community Information Centre project. The launch of CICs in Harare Province excites as it dispels allegations that POTRAZ only focuses on rural areas – leaving urban communities behind” Machengete said .
Also speaking at the event, POTRAZ director general Dr Gift Machengete said POTRAZ is moving with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) theme of “Leaving No One And No Place Behind” , the theme which has also been adopted into NDS1.
“While I admit that we are more visible in rural areas due to the existing rural-urban divide, we are cognisant of the need for Internet access and use programs in cities and towns too, hence the setting up of CICs in Harare and other urban parts of the country as we promote inclusivity and equality”, he added.
“This is because the importance of CICs to everyone in the country cannot be understated. CICs enable communities to access the Internet and participate in the digital economy. CICs also promote Human Capital Development and Innovation through free computer skills training as well as research which is conducted at these centres”, he added.
Furthermore, CICs are a source of economic emancipation as community members including women and youth get to use the Internet to market their products and services, which enhances their capacity to do business.
To date, a total of 170 CICs have been established country wide and an additional 32 are under construction and will open their doors to the public next year. Internet surfing is free of charge at all CICs, hence, everyone is encouraged to visit their nearest CIC every now and again and make full use of these facilities.
If used irresponsibly, ICTs can bring more harm than good to society. In this regard, as the Authority responsible for Data Protection, POTRAZ is rolling out programs aimed at ensuring that risks associated with Internet use are mitigated.
As the ICT sector regulator, POTRAZ pledges full support in implementing the Smart Zimbabwe Master Plan and at ensuring ICTs make a meaningful impact to society as demanded by NDS1 and also contributes meaningfully towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
CIC agent at Causeway Post Office Racheal Dziva in an interview urged community members in different suburbs to go to CICs and use the free internet.
“It is a god programme considering tariffs of data. CICs are useful to all age groups from primary students researching on their CALA studies to those old who would be doing researches also” she said.
At the CICs, one can use his/her own laptop, android or use the laptops already available in the cubicles.
Mercy Pachawo a resident in Glen norah commended the ministry and its partners for doing a sterling job. “It benefits the community as a whole in moving along with digital world” , she said.
“We appreciate the efforts done and we as residents we are asking for the expansion of the facility to accommodate more people”, she added.
Not more than 15 people use the CICs internet at a time and a person is allowed for a hour which can be extended if there are no other users available at the time.
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