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By Joyce Mukucha
Government is implementing Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) interventions aimed at achieving a digital economy as well as curbing challenges posed by the global Covid-19 pandemic.
“The Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Jenfan Muswere, updated Cabinet on the ICT-based interventions, which Government through the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), is implementing to attain the digital economy as enunciated in the National Development Strategy 1: 2021-2025 and also to mitigate challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa during a post Cabinet briefing yesterday.
“Cabinet noted the initiatives relating to digitization of the judiciary, police services, prisons and correctional services, which will ensure security of information, dockets, law and order as well as efficient delivery of justice services,” she added.
The interventions include the provision of gadgets and connectivity to rural Police Stations as part of the implementation of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritages Integrated Management System.
“Focus will be on smart policing which involves the movement of dockets from the Police to the courts system and finally the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS). In addition, the stations will have their bandwidth subscription for twelve months paid for in full. The initiative will also see the ZRP, local authorities and other security services being connected to the Smart Transport and Traffic Management System,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
This, she highlighted, will enable easy identification and follow up of traffic offenders and their sanctioning. The pilot study has already been completed.
Under the digitization of the Judiciary, judicial officers are being trained in preparation for the launch of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System which is set for next year.
“The System will bring together the prisons, community corrections, courts services and other related agencies to more efficiently provide justice through digital means. In addition, Government in partnership with the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) is in the process of establishing Virtual Courts. The project will result in the installation and use of a video conferencing system at all court complexes and prisons.”
The interventions also include provision of desktop computers and accessories to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services and the Judicial Services Commission.
The National Prosecution Authority, the Attorney-Generals Office and the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission are also being digitized.
Cabinet, Mutsvangwa said, invites the public to note that digitization of systems is targeted at eliminating corruption at the institutions through reduction of human interface as well as advancing the country’s ease of doing business programme.
“All costs will be borne by Government. In line with the Governments digitization programme, Cabinet is pleased to announce that His Excellency the President today launched the e-passport.”