Macra set to connect to 23 constituencies

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) says, through the Ministry of Information, it plans to construct 23 telecentres in the ‘Connect a Constituency Projects.

Macra board chairperson Ted Nandolo said this on Friday in Ntcheu at the groundbreaking ceremony of a telecentre in the Bwanje North Constituency.

He said the purchase of materials for the telecentres was at an advanced stage and that they would be delivered to all sites within the month of May.

Said Nandolo: “Modern systems of governance depend on the availability of reliable information and communications technology (ICT). Access to ICT services is a universal basic right and government continues to place priority on the development of ICT as a key factor in the development of the country.”

He said the project would provide ICT equipment in the telecentres and will use low cost computing devices that can be sustained in the rural communities.

Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu, who laid the foundation stone, said the telecentre would improve communication.

“Through the project, communities will be trained to use ICTs and have access to ICT services leading to a more informed and empowered community, translating into socio-economic development,” he said.

The telecentre is expected to provide Internet and secretariat services such as lamination, identity cards production, photocopying, printing services, computer and Internet tutorials.

Each centre will have 10 computers at a cost of K2.5 million. It will also have a photocopier, fax,
binder, scanner and two printers.