NEW: ‘Local authorities stifling telecoms network development’

10 May, 2022 - 14:05 0 Views
NEW: ‘Local authorities stifling telecoms network development’ Some local authorities are said to be reluctant to allocate land for base stations

The ManicaPost

 

Ray Bande
Senior Reporter

 

RURAL and urban local authorities have been singled out as some of the major drivers of telecommunications underdevelopment due to their reluctance to provide land for base stations for network providers.

Contributing during deliberations at the All-Stakeholders Conference in Vumba today, Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) director general, Dr Gift Machengete said some local authorities are reluctant to allocate land for base stations and they end up engaging those willing.

“It is sad that we have been experiencing problems with some local authorities that are reluctant to avail land for base stations in their areas of jurisdiction.

“At the end, we end up engaging those willing and this is happening at the expense of the community. These communities will continue experiencing poor or no telecommunication network,” he said.

In response, Ministry of Local Government and Public Works director (urban councils), Mr Fungai Mbetsa, said: “Local authorities must be engaged and be enlightened on the need to make work easier for POTRAZ for the sake of the people they make decision on whose behalf. Local authorities are democratic entities that make decisions on behalf of the people they represent. Therefore, it is incumbent upon office bearers to make decisions that facilitate the development of their respective areas.”

Newly-elected Mutasa South legislator, Advocate Misheck Mugadza left the gathering in stitches when weighed in saying: “If you meet such a situation whereby a local authority shows reluctance to avail land for base stations, please do not leave it there.

“Take the matter further and approach higher offices within the Local Government Ministry hierarchy. If you continue encountering challenges, feel free to come to Mutasa South constituency. We have more than enough space for those base stations for the sake of telecommunication systems development in my constituency.”

 

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