The first part of the project, which was completed in May 2010, covered three routes— Northern Ring I that covers Babati, Arusha, Moshi and Tanga; Northern Ring II that covers Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, Iringa, Dodoma and Singida and Western Link I and II that take care of Shinyanga, Mwanza, Geita, Biharamulo, Rusumo and Kabanga.
The just-completed routes link the country to Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia and Malawi. To accomplish the project, which was launched in 2008, the government has spent $200 million (Sh320 billion). It put in Sh30 billion while $170 million was credit from the Chinese Exim Bank. In the spirit of ensuring value for money, Tanzanians should now exploit the ICT potentials to spearhead development in socio-economic and political arenas.
The Internet has lately become an important tool in many developing countries. Yet it is unclear how prepared the people are to tap the benefits of the technology. This is an area that cannot be left to the elements. It has to be directed and managed in order for the country to make the most of its resources. With such reliable connectivity, the people should be busy working out how to tap into ICTs in areas such as tourism, education, international trade, governance, science and technology, agriculture, mining, health, sports and culture.
Landlocked neighbouring countries are also hoping to benefit immensely from Tanzania’s ICT backbone. The country must, therefore, also build strong regulatory and institutional frameworks to ensure that investors are mobilised to pour their money into the project for the benefit of Tanzania and its landlocked neighbours.
The government and other stakeholders must also protect the infrastructure from man-made disasters such as erratic power supply and terrorists. The security gurus will, no doubt, be working out ways and means to protect this precious investment. Being an ICT hub gives Tanzania an edge in attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and increased gains in international trade. It is an opportunity that should not go to waste.
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Quelle/Source: The Citizen Daily, 02.05.2012
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