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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Plumtree Correspondent
MOBILE network operator, NetOne’s drive to ensure that rural communities are connected continued yesterday with the commissioning of a base station in Mangwe District.
Chief Finance Officer, Mrs Sibusisiwe Ndlovu said the exercise was in full force to ensure that network coverage reaches even the remotest corner of the country.
Mrs Ndlovu said the company was celebrating 20 years of service by ensuring Zimbabweans get quality signal.
“As a network service provider we were tasked by government to ensure that every part of the country is connected and this is what we are doing.
“More base stations will be established in Mangwe District and other parts of the country. We are aware that people from Ingwizi have been using Botswana networks and some still are. We will address this,’’ she said.
Chief Tshitshi from Mangwe District appealed to the NetOne to extend its services to all parts of the district.
During the event, the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services announced it had procured equipment worth $43 000 for a communication information centre that will be established in Mangwe District before year end.
Speaking at the commissioning of the base station in Ingwizi area yesterday the E-Government Deputy Director in the Ministry, Mr Tapiwa Gumindoga said the Government has established about 12 information centres across the country.
“As Government we have seen the need to bring development to rural communities. We are in the process of establishing communication information centres in various districts. Mangwe District is one area set to benefit.
‘’We have procured equipment valued at $43 000 towards this centre. This equipment comprises 20 computers, a printer, scanner, photocopier, TV screen and internet connections. We will also open a facility to train community members on how to use the equipment,’’ he said.
Mr Gumindoga said the programme sought to address the digital divide which existed between rural and urban communities.
He said the Mangwe communication information centre will be established before year end at Bhulu High School in Ingwizi area. He said the facility will be accessed by all community members.
Addressing community members before commissioning the base station, Mr Gumindoga urged stakeholders to utilise the network system to further development agendas.
He said the base station could come in handy for farmers in the area, school pupils, government departments and institutions. — @DubeMatutu
Online Reporter