Tinaye Agere
Debra Matabvu
THE Government has injected US$1,5 million towards upgrading information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure for the upcoming 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit scheduled for next week.
The summit will be largely paperless, with high-speed internet connectivity set to ensure a seamless hybrid programme.
State-of-the-art gadgets such as monitors and teleprompters have been procured for use by Heads of State.
Internet connectivity has been enhanced at hotels and the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport VVIP lounge.
Conference centres, including the Harare International Conference Centre and the new Parliament building in Mt Hampden, have also received internet connectivity upgrades.
The University of Zimbabwe Diamond Lecture Theatre, where President Mnangagwa will deliver a public lecture, has been similarly upgraded.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera said the Government had invested in high-speed internet to support the indaba’s hybrid format.
“Everything is on track and we are just finalising the preparations,” she said. Fibre has been laid along the Chairman Mao Boulevard, Second Street and other streets, especially those along and near conference centres. Wi-Fi has also been upgraded in centres where our delegates will be accommodated, including the villas and VVIP lounge at the airport.
“We have complied with SADC requests in terms of all ICT requirements.”
Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Beaullar Chirume, added that telecommunications service providers were engaged to provide robust internet connectivity.
“Reliable and high-speed internet connectivity is fundamental for a seamless hybrid summit, as it ensures that the livestreaming services do not suffer from buffering,” Dr Chirume said.
“To this end, telecommunications service providers were engaged to provide a minimum of 1Gbps bandwidth internet for the entire duration of the summit.
“In addition, the mobile network operators will provide robust and mobile internet to the summit.”
A range of gadgets, including laptops, monitors, microphones and teleprompters, have been procured.
“Laptops for projection of documents in the three languages (English, French and Portuguese) have been secured.
“We have also procured laptops and desktop computers for provision of interpretation on the virtual platform.
“We also have HDMI splitter, to enable the laptops to connect to the respective delegate monitors,” she added.
“We have also made provisions for monitors that will be placed in front of each member state’s delegation. There are also TV screens, microphones and headsets for simultaneous digital translation of English, Portuguese and French documents.
“We also have teleprompters which allow people to read their scripts as they present.
“In short, we have procured all equipment and services required for hybrid meetings.”
Presenting the Mid-Term Budget Review last month, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said: “In order to facilitate smooth hosting of the 2024 SADC summit, resources amounting to US$1,5 million have been disbursed, for the period under review, towards upgrading of existing fibre network, establishment of base stations and telecommunications services through service providers, which include TelOne, Africom and NetOne.”
Online Reporter