GOVERNMENT has acknowledged the pivotal role played by rural dwellers in creation of a digital economy through the use of Information, Communication Technology.
ICT minister Jenfan Muswere made these revelations during the official opening of a Community Village Information Centre centre (CVIC) at Manoti Business Centre in Gokwe Kana constituency last week.
The CVIC was the second such to be build by Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (POTRAZ) after opening another in Rutenga a fortnight ago.
He said participation of people in rural areas in ICTs will ultimately improve their quality of life.
“Knowledge is now a basic need and an essential skill for productivity.
“Let’s use our phones and computers in our farming activities and to market our produces as well as provision of health services to achieve sustainable development,” he said.
“The use of ICTs will help end poverty and uplift women so that they do not remain marginalised.”
The event was attended by a high powered delegation including Potraz director general, Gift Machengete and State security minister Owen Ncube.
Potraz has set up 24 CVICs in eight rural areas.
Addressing delegates at the official launch, Potraz boss Machengete said over the past years the regulatory authority has also established community information centres at post offices throughout the country.
To date, he said 146 CICs had been set up, bringing the total CIC and CVICs established countrywide to 170.
Meanwhile, entertainment was provided by Sulumani Chimbetu.