Internet connectivity tops Zim's 2017 budget plans
Zimbabwe
,
13 Dec 2016
Internet connectivity tops Zim's 2017 budget plans
Zimbabwe finance minister, Patrick Chinamasa has allocated US$17.1 million towards ICT targets including greater internet access in both rural and urban areas.
The minister said while presenting the country's US$4.1 billion budget for 2017. "The money will be for rapid spread of digital devices and greater internet access in both urban and rural areas enabling dissemination of critical information and knowledge that empowers households and other institutions in various activities."
The allocated fund is envisaged to promote innovation and build capacity amongst the government and young generation, the minister added.
TelOne, Zimbabwe's state-owned fixed telecoms service provider, has been under a lot of strain due to the challenging macro-environment. In the first quarter of 2016, TelOne recorded a decline in voice traffic and active subscriptions with a drop in quarterly voice revenues from US$35.341 million to US$30.67 million.
The minister says the funds will also capacitate TelOne in its "expansion and modernisation drive".
The government is working to ensure that a US$98.6 million loan from the China Exim Bank meant for the expansion of TelOne's fibre network is mobilised by the end of this year, Chinamasa has said.
TelOne would contribute its own resources to the tune of US$26. 8 million, money that will mostly be used for last mile fibre connectivity to homes and public buildings, as well as the purchase of network equipment and other service provision capital expenditure.
According to the minister, TelOne was fast catching up to private players in fibre rollout.
US$12.8m for e-Government
Taking advantage of developments in the ICT sector, Chinamasa said government will establish an e-Government platform that will enhance access to official information and services, that way promoting transparency and efficiency in public services delivery.
The minister has allocated an additional US$6.9 million for the setting up of a National Data Centre to support the rollout and use of e-Government services by citizens.