Councils should embrace digitisation to achieve Vision 2030

Local authorities across the country should fully embrace digitisation processes to help realise the Government’s vision of creating an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.

Zimbabwe Local Government Association (ZILGA) president, Dr Aaron Shamu, made this remark on the sidelines of a handover ceremony in Harare on Monday, where the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, in collaboration with Potraz, donated 415 computers to 39 councils.

The donation aims to bridge the digital divide between rural district councils (RDCs) and urban authorities.

Speaking at the event, Dr Shamu emphasised that the donation should enable councils to perform their duties more effectively.

“The donation is indeed an enabler to the ‘Call for Action’ to improve service delivery and comes at a time when all local authorities have just concluded budget consultations and approvals,” he said.

“Four councils recently underwent performance appraisals, and one of the key components assessed was e-Government. These devices will help councils accelerate progress to align with the fourth industrial revolution. Providing such equipment will also alleviate the resource constraints that many of our councils face,” Dr Shamu added.

He commended the Ministry of ICT and the Second Republic for their continued efforts to digitise the nation.

“Having the local authorities, particularly the RDCs, recognised as the third tier of Government is a great honour, Honourable Minister.

“We wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Mnangagwa for remembering this third tier of Government with this significant donation to 39 RDCs,” said Dr Shamu.

He expressed hope that the remaining 21 RDCs would receive similar equipment soon to ensure they are not left behind.

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