The Sunday News
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
THE Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, has officially opened seven Community Information Centres (CICs) in Bulawayo which were connected with internet equipment as the Government moves to ensure equitable and easy access to information by communities.
More than 28 Bulawayo schools were also given computers and other ICT gadgets as well as free internet connectivity as part of the Government’s thrust to enhance E-learning. The launch of the CICs saw Luveve, North End, Queens Park, Belmont, Magwegwe, Pumula and Hillside Post Offices being transformed into newly refurbished facilities that provide contemporary digital services through internet connectivity. This presents the general public with an opportunity to access internet related services for free from those centres.
The launch of the CICs coincided with the World Post Day which was held under the theme “Post for planet”. The day was set aside to celebrate the Post’s role in the everyday lives of people and businesses, as well as its contribution to global social and economic development.
In an interview with Sunday News, Minister Muswere said the launch of the CICs was in line with Government’s thrust to digitalise the postal network.
“You will appreciate that we are now operating under a global postal system so in order to underline Government’s testimony in terms of ensuring that we leave no one and no place behind is the reason to come to Bulawayo and particularly Luveve which is a high density suburb to equip seven community information centres across Bulawayo Province. The areas that we have equipped and connected include Pumula, Luveve, Magwegwe, Belmont, Hillside, North End and Queens Park which brings us to the subject of the digitalisation of the postal network,” said Minister Muswere.
Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere
Zimbabwe chairs the Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) and it is at this platform that the country moved the motion to digitalise the postal network. The motion which was adopted at the Victoria Falls Plenipotentiary Conference and consistently was resolved at the UPU congress in Ivory Coast is one of the reasons why the country is spearheading the digitalisation of the postal network.
“In order to support and walk the talk we have developed, equipped and connected seven community information centres. At the same time, we also brought in to support the national e-learning strategy computers and free connectivity as directed by President Mnangagwa that we should establish ICT labs across the country. So, for today we brought computers and connectivity to plus 28 schools in Bulawayo Province.
“The use of ICT services across the country for free dovetails with Government’s commitment to ensure that as we journey towards vision 2030, we have a digitally connected society and a society which is computer literate and can use ICTs,” said Minister Muswere.
Dr Gift Machengete
POTRAZ director-general Dr Gift Machengete said the launch of CICs in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province comes from the realisation that there was also a digital divide obtaining within urban areas.
“Urban folk also find it difficult to own internet enabled devices or buy data to go online, hence, the roll-out of these facilities where internet browsing is absolutely free of charge. Please make the very best of this free internet offering. Do not let such opportunities go to waste. Do not be left out in the digital highway,” said Dr Machengete.
He further said there would be a need to increase booths in the CICs as most particularly in the high density suburbs witnessed high traffic of users.
