ZIMBABWE is determined to catch up with other countries
through developing modern infrastructure, modern methods of doing business and
embracing technology in its quest to transform the economy, President Emmerson
Mnangagwa has said.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Tel-One $23,6 million
national backbone fibre link in Beitbridge, President Mnangagwa said
Government, under the Second Republic, was committed to connecting the nation
to the rest of the world.
The multi-million dollar National Broadband project whose
main project contractor was Chinese technology firm Huawei, has seen the
network upgrade of the backbone fibre link which runs from Harare to Beitbridge
and from Bulawayo to Beitbridge to establish a new backbone fibre link with
South Africa and other SADC countries.
The project was implemented through a loan facility from
China Exim Bank. The backbone fibre link
has resulted in a 40 percent cut in internet bandwidth landing costs.
“Our infrastructure has for too long lagged behind but
we’re determined to catch up with those that have progressed ahead of us. The
completion of this project is timely and is a significant step for the new
Zimbabwe. Such an investment has a transformative impact in our quest for
economic growth, modernisation and industrialisation of the economy. It will
further improve economic efficiency and productivity,” said President
Mnangagwa.
He said the initiative was a testimony of Government’s
commitment to building modern infrastructure that will give the people of
Zimbabwe the best opportunities to succeed in the modern world.
The President said the milestone accomplishment will
efficiently connect Zimbabwe to the rest of the world.
“It will further ensure a more inclusive society, where our
people can benefit from the immense growth opportunities that are abound across
all sectors,” said President Mnangagwa.
In the Second Republic, he added, proximity to major cities
need to be a prerequisite for economic success.
“All Zimbabweans should have access to the vital tools of
development, with internet capability facilities. In addition, the middle
income economy status we envision, will be accelerated as a result of the
digital socio economic impact that cuts across financial services, health,
retail, agriculture, mining, tourism and Government,” said President Mnangagwa.
“We must move out of our comfort zones and put aside
archaic methods of how we’ve always done things, and instead ask how we can do
things better. By embracing technology and connectivity we’re embracing the
future and giving our people the best opportunities to thrive in the modern
economy.”
The President commended Tel-One for the job well done,
saying he was proud that the
establishment of the fibre links had
completed the connectivity of Zimbabwe
with neighbouring countries specifically South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana and
Zambia.
“The link will also provide transit services that enable
SADC members to be connecting to the whole world through a robust fibre
network.
“I’m particularly impressed that this infrastructure is one
of the most reliable routes in the Southern Africa region,” said President
Mnangagwa.
Information Communication Technology and Courier Services
Minister Kazembe Kazembe said his ministry was cognisant of the Transitional
Stabilisation Programme (TSP) target of broadening adoption and utilisation of
e-Government.
He said the use of e-Government across Ministries,
departments, local authorities and state owned enterprises in the provision of
public services helps to fight corruption.
“I’m pleased to advise that the commissioning of this route
has enabled the landing of internet bandwidth into Zimbabwe at significantly
lower costs and reducing prices by up to 40 percent.
“This initiative dovetails well with the President’s mantra
which says ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’. This kind of investment will result
in increased interest of regional and global telecommunication firms in setting
up projects across the country,” said Minister Kazembe Kazembe.
He said investors across sectors will realise better
returns due to affordable bandwidth.
“This will drive investor confidence and the growth of the
Zimbabwean economy. The ICT sector on its own has the potential to create
employment opportunities, generate more revenue and boost economic growth
opportunities,” said Minister Kazembe Kazembe.
China’s acting Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Zhao Baogang
expressed gratitude to the China Exim Bank for financing the project.
“The optic fibre connection to the outside world is
critical to Zimbabwe’s growth as it reduces the cost of internet services. It
will definitely upgrade the status of Zimbabwe, which has in the past years
achieved a lot,” said Mr Baogang.
He said despite the challenges the country is facing, the
people of Zimbabwe should strive to be united.
“China will always be there for Zimbabwe to support its
efforts of national development,” said Mr Baogang.
TelOne managing director, Mrs Chipo Mtasa, commended the
Government for its support in the implementation of the project.
The commissioning of the fibre link was also attended by
Vice President Kembo Mohadi, Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs Minister
Abednico Ncube, the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and
Technology Development Amon Murwira, the Minister of Industry and Commerce
Mangaliso Ndlovu, Permanent Secretaries from different ministries TelOne board
of directors, officials from Potraz and other telecommunication operators, as
well as Zanu-PF officials, traditional leaders , business community and the
Beitbridge community.
President Mnangagwa, VP Mohadi, Minister Kazembe Kazembe
planted trees during the event.
As part of its corporate responsibility, TelOne donated
exercise books and sanitary wear worth $40 000 to children from four schools in
Beitbridge. Chronicle
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