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Kuda Bwititi Chief Reporter
Government will continue to facilitate the establishment of Community Information Centres (CIC) countrywide to disseminate reliable information on Covid-19, a Cabinet minister has said.
Information, Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere was speaking in Matabeleland South Province at the launch of the Maphisa Community Information Centre.
“As Government, we have an obligation to ensure that citizens are protected from this barrage of misinformation by providing the public with facilities where they can access reliable and evidence-based information. This is where Community Information Centres come in.
“By visiting CICs, members of the public can access reliable information on Covid-19 published by the WHO (World Health Organisation) and our own Ministry of Health and Child Care. My Ministry will, therefore, spare no efforts in operationalising as many CICs as we can, during this pandemic, whilst at the same time staying within the confines of the lockdown regulations.”
Dr Muswere said the Government was committed to the attainment of a digital economy and a knowledge society to ensure that people in remote rural areas have access to ICTs.
With many people now confined to working from home due to the pandemic, Dr Muswere said it was imperative to increase access to ICTs and enhance people’s participation in the digital economy.
Speaking at the same occasion, POTRAZ director-general Dr Gift Machengete said CIC’s were a strategic asset in the fight against Covid-19
“The business and farming communities can take advantage of the new wave of digital marketing and e-commerce to market and sell their commodities on the various digital platforms available,” he said.
“Therefore, through the utilisation of CICs, community members can circumvent the negative effects of Covid-19 and continue living their normal lives.”
The Maphisa centre was one of the 146 CICs established in the country.
In his remarks, Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Abedinico Ncube thanked POTRAZ for setting up the centre.
“I must not forget to say thank you to POTRAZ for having funded other projects in Matabeleland South Province as a whole. Not so long ago, we were in Beitbridge for the launch of the Beitbridge Community Information Centre,” he said.
“I recall, honourable Minister (Muswere), that alongside POTRAZ your Ministry honoured the province with the launch of Maitengwe Base Station that has greatly improved communications in that part of the province.”
POTRAZ came up with the CICs concept to create places where the community can access and use ICTs to promote businesses, advance education and improve their livelihoods.
Online Reporter