Potraz establishes 32 new CICs in 2024
ZIMBABWE’S push for digital transformation took a significant step forward in 2024 as the Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) established 32 new Community Information Centres (CICs). This brings the total number of CICs to 202, enhancing digital access for communities across the nation.
During the official opening of the Annual Strategic Planning and Review workshop on Wednesday in Bulawayo, Potraz Director-General Dr Gift Machengete highlighted the significant milestones achieved in 2024.
He emphasised the importance of inclusivity in the digitisation strategy, ensuring no place and no one is left behind.
“Our Community Information Centre (CIC) initiative expanded with 32 new CICs, bringing the total to 202. This progress was not without challenges, as contractors demanded payment in foreign currency midway, forcing the authority to cancel several contracts and stalling progress. We are installing backup solar power at all 202 CICs to ensure uninterrupted access for the public,” said Dr Machengete.
Dr Machengete noted about 20 of the 202 CICs have already benefited from the solar installations.
To extend connectivity to under-served rural areas, Potraz relocated three co-located towers. Since the inception of the Tower Relocation Programme (TRP), they have relocated eighteen towers.
The TRP aims to improve network coverage and capacity, especially in areas with higher demand for network services or greater population density, to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities.
Network operators can relocate towers for several reasons, primarily for optimisation, improving coverage gaps, enhancing network efficiency, and reducing costs associated with maintaining and operating the towers.
Under the e-Learning programme, Dr Machengete reported that Potraz distributed 2 831 computers to 238 schools during the year. He acknowledged that many schools still need support and reaffirmed their commitment to this effort.
“We have also distributed 227 computers to various government institutions, including healthcare centres, government agencies, departments, and ministries under the e-Government programme.
“This brings the total number of computers distributed under the two programmes to 3 058,” he said.
Inclusivity remains a priority, with digital skills training provided to persons with disabilities, expanding this initiative nationwide in 2024.
Dr Machengete stated that a total of 215 persons with disabilities were trained during the year in Manicaland, Midlands, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Matabeleland South, Bulawayo, and Harare Provinces. — chroncile
