ZIMBABWE needs $1,5 billion to roll out the first phase of the smart cities programme which is aimed at improving transport networks, energy efficiency and urban management, a Cabinet Minister has said.
The smart cities concept was proposed early last year as a means to decongest the country's urban centres using information and communications technology (ICTs).
Read more: ZW: Smart cities first phase requires $1,5 billion
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) has announced that post offices dotted around the country will be transformed to offer e-commerce and e-government services.
Electronic (e) government/commerce refers to the use of information and communication technologies to improve the activities of public sector organisations as well as buying and selling of goods or services using the internet.
Government is working on measures that will allow citizens to obtain passports and other official documents at post offices across the country, it has been learnt.
The latest development is likely to bring relief to millions of people living in rural and marginalised areas, who are usually forced to travel to towns and cities to secure official documents such as identification cards.
Read more: Zimbabweans to apply for passports at post offices
Request a passport, birth or death certificates and access official documents online or receive goods bought online are the services Zimbabwe post (Zimpost) aims to offer residents in the coming years.
This shift from its traditional services of sending and receiving mails is aimed at preserving Zimpost from the bankruptcy which was looming over it with the development of ICT.
Read more: ZW: Zimpost shifting services launches online services to avoid bankruptcy
The Transitional Stabilization Programme (TSP) by the Zimbabwean Government targets broadening adoption and utilization of e-government across ministries. Departments, local authorities and state owned enterprises in the provision of public services to cut loopholes for corruption.
Growth of service sector also outlines opportunities for the digital economy arising out of adoption of ICT, with also benefits from increased investment in e-Government platforms.
Read more: ZW: Transitional Stabilization Programme to Expedite e-government