The Community Information Centre (CIC), which was established at Concession Post Office, in Mazowe West constitunecy has been praised by the local community for impacting on their livelihoods in a positive manner.
According to Moreblessing Mudanda, the Concession CIC agent, "the centre is a public place where people can access computers, the internet and other digital technologies that enable them to gather information, create, learn and communicate with others while they develop essential digital skills".
The CIC in Mazowe West was established when POTRAZ partnered with ZimPost and the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services to set up the centre.
However, the establishment of the CIC in Mazowe West constituency could not have been a reality had it not been for the vision of the local House of Assembly member, Hon. Kazembe Kazembe.
The MP was moved by lack of access to Information Communication Technologies by many people in his home town, Concession, most of whom come from disadvantaged households.
This motivated him to "write to POTRAZ, through its Director General, Dr. Machengete, who in turn requested the then Minister of ICT, Hon. Supa Mandiwanzira to grant the project a priority status" explained Hon. Kazembe.
"The ICT Ministry agreed, carried out a feasibility study, and established the CIC. They converted the old Post Office building into a state of the art CIC, which is now benefiting the community" he added.
Tafadzwa Papaya, a form 1 student at Kundayi High School could not hide his joy when he was interviewed by Zimbo24News. He praised the local MP, Hon Kazembe for being a visionary leader.
The student explained that the CIC was helping him and other students to do their academic research work, which was helping to improve their performance in school. The centre also serves as a recreational centre where members of the community download latest movies and songs.
Another local resident, Priscilla Chitanda revealed that the CIC was beneficial to her social life as it facilitated her to interact through social media with her husband who works in Harare. Many other women who were relaxing at the CIC also expressed similar sentiments, saying unlike before where distance seperated their families, the CIC had curtailed that.
In that respect, the CIC in Mazowe West has become part of the constituency's daily life.
The local CIC agent explained that people frequented the centre for free wifi access, a provision they were also utilizing to keep abreast with local and international developments. Even job seekers are utilizing the facility to seek for employment opportunities.
Zimbabwe, in an endeavour to catch up with the developed world, has embraced the concept of digital economics. The country has been on a drive to encourage e-commerce as a way of reducing geographical barriers to trade. As such in recent times Zimbabweans have normalised online trading as an efficient alternative to physical trade.
Meanwhile, the community encouraged their local MP, Hon. Kazembe to continue spearheading development projects in their constituency including through easy access to internet technology by establishing more open-wifi hotspots. in Mazowe West constituency.
Comments
Post a Comment