by Christopher Makaza
Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere has called upon people from Chatumbama village in Mt Darwin to embrace the enhanced network provision to facilitate and promote trade within their constituency.
Speaking during the commissioning of Chatumbama base station in Mt Darwin yesterday, the Minister encouraged people from Mt Darwin to jealously guard the newly acquired infrastructure highlighting that the improved network coverage within the District is a conduit for ease of doing business through Netone's products and services.
"The Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services is here to ensure equitable access by all Citizens including disadvantaged groups and rural communities in Zimbabwe. Please join me in acknowledging the Minister of State for Mashonaland Central province, Honourable Monica Mavhunga and not only for being a courteous host, but for actively spearheading development within the province.
"As I Commission Chatumbama site, I hereby urge the community to safeguard the infrastructure to ensure that it is not vandalised. We look forward to more interventions and network expansion from Network, as well all other players within the ICT sector," said Minister Muswere.
The Minister went on to say that the Ministry's mandate is to use information technology and communication (ICTs) solutions to improve the livelihoods of all Zimbabweans irrespective of location throughout the great nation of Zimbabwe.
The Minister said this enhanced access to connectivity plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the country achieves connected communities, thus the investment in the necessary infrastructure in both rural and urban centres.
The Minister said as a Ministry, their resolve to improve mobile accessibility, is strengthened by the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa. She went on to add that the world is being driven by innovation, information and communication technologies, as such ICTs have become key fundamentals in the attainment of Zimbabwe's vision 2030.
Speaking at the same event, Netone Acting Chief Executive Officer, Chipo Jaison said the base station will be providing 3G Network among other things and will enable the community to access quality services which enables e-commerce services. She said apart from communication solutions, the base station is a source of employment for the locals.
It is no secret that improved access to ICT, will not only promote growth and development within the constituencies, but will also have tickle down effects on the overall growth and development of Zimbabwe. The sterling efforts by NetOne as it continues to expand its network footprints and increase service provision in previously marginalised areas such as Chatumbama is highly commendable.
