In a significant milestone towards enhancing digital communication and improving service delivery, on May 16, 2024, SMART Zambia Institute (e-Government Division) National Coordinator Percy Chinyama handed over a Starlink internet connectivity Kit to Ngabwe Town Council in Central Province
The ceremony took place in Ngabwe district where Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe, Ngabwe District Commissioner Hector Filongwe, Council Chairperson Borden Kalebuka, and other officials were in attendance.
Speaking at the event, SMART Zambia Institute National Coordinator Percy Chinyama explained that high-speed internet connectivity was a critical step towards bridging the digital divide.
“The handover of this Starlink Kit marks a crucial step towards bridging the digital divide and promoting economic development in Ngabwe Town and surrounding areas,” Mr Chinyama said.
“This technology will enable the council to deliver efficient and effective services to the community, and we are committed to supporting its implementation and ensuring its sustainability.”
Mr Chinyama emphasized the importance of collaboration and community engagement in ensuring the success of digital transformation initiatives.
“The community is part of the governance of the country and you are a separate eye that can tell us exactly what is happening on the ground bringing this technology is revolutionary person by person as each person will be able to communicate differently and get knowledge in the global world, “ he said.
“We believe that empowering local communities with technology is crucial for sustainable development. We will continue to work closely with the provincial administration and local stakeholders to ensure that our initiatives benefit the people of Central Province and the country at large.”
“The handover of this Starlink Kit is a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance digital communication and improve service delivery in Central Province,” Mr Chinyama said.
“We are committed to supporting the council in ensuring the effective implementation and sustainability of this technology, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the community.”
He noted that the kit will be deployed at the council and urged the local authority to make the service available to the public.
“The community here must benefit because this intention is to make public services available to the people at the grassroots level,” he stated.
He stated that the community in Ngabwe now has the opportunity to consume government online services.
“You now have an opportunity to consume government online services on the ZamPortal such as road tax and other taxes and use it to access other information to communicate. I would like to commed the PS for directing all civil servants to relocate into Ngabwe district so that residents can access all government services from their locality,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe commended Smart Zambia Institute for its efforts in promoting digital inclusion and pledged the province’s continued support for the initiative.
“We recognize the importance of technology in driving development and improving service delivery. This Starlink Kit will go a long way in enhancing the council’s operations and benefiting the community,” he said.
Mr Mwanakampwe observed that most public service workers were reluctant to relocate to Ngabwe due to a lack of internet connectivity and electricity both of which have since been connected.
“Electricity was connected last year, and now that the internet has been connected, you will have no excuse. I expect you to relocate by the 12th of June,” he said.
He also noted that there has been a low uptake of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) secondary school bursaries in the district due to a lack of internet connectivity.
“I’m now directing public service workers to help our children make their applications as it has been difficult for them because there have been claims that there are no schools in Ngabwe. You can help them apply even to schools that are outside the district,” he said.
He expressed his gratitude to the SMART Zambia Institute for the gesture and commended the council for its commitment to embracing digital technologies.
“We are grateful for this initiative by the Smart Zambia Institute. This Starlink kit will go a long way in improving the lives of the people of Ngabwe,” Mr Mwanakampwe said.
Both Ngabwe District Commissioner Hector Filongwe and Council Chairperson Borden Kalebuka said the connection of internet services will enhance the service delivery of public services.
Mr Kalebuka commended the government for the milestone which he said will ease the uptake and processing of CDF monies.
And Mr Filongwe said the public service was looking forward to connectivity to join the e-government platform.
The initiative reflects the government’s vision of building a digital economy and creating a digitally empowered society.
The Starlink Kit, a satellite technology device, provides wireless high-speed data services and has a significant coverage area, ensuring that constituency offices are accessible for constituents to utilize the devices for internet services. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to harness digital technologies for sustainable development and improve the lives of citizens across the country.
The handover ceremony of the Starlink Internet Kit marks another significant milestone in the country’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive digital growth.
The ceremony was attended by council officials, community leaders, and residents, who expressed their gratitude for the initiative.
The Starlink Kit is expected to have a positive impact on the community, enabling them to access important information and services more efficiently.
Before the event, the government leaders took time to pay a courtesy call on Chief Mulubwe of Ngabwe district.
The Smart Zambia Institute has been at the forefront of promoting digital transformation in Zambia, and this initiative is a testament to its commitment to harnessing technology for sustainable development. As the country continues to embrace digital technologies, initiatives like the Starlink Kit handover will play a vital role in bridging the digital divide and improving the lives of citizens.
As Zambia continues to embrace digital transformation, initiatives like the Starlink Kit handover will play a vital role in achieving the country’s development goals. The Smart Zambia Institute remains committed to supporting local communities and promoting digital inclusion, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
The Starlink Kit handover is part of a larger initiative by the Smart Zambia Institute to empower local communities with digital technologies. The institute has already implemented similar initiatives in other provinces and plans to expand its reach to all parts of the country.
To enhance productivity, improve service delivery, and promote inclusive economic growth, the Zambian government has launched a comprehensive national development plan to bridge the digital divide.
The initiative is also in line with the government’s National Development Plan, which prioritizes digital technologies, develops digital infrastructure, enhances digital skills, promotes digital entrepreneurship, and creates an inclusive digital economy.
So far, Zambia has made significant strides in digital infrastructure development, including the rollout of e-payslips, Starlink Kits, the establishment of e-border management, e-licenses, and public e-procurement systems.
The government is also providing network and internet connectivity to 300 sites across the country through the Government Wide Area Network (GWAN).
Kamanga/Nkunika
Ngabwe, May 16, 2024, ZANIS…
