By Kudakwashe Kutinyo

Victoria Falls councillors were recently equipped with new laptops by the local authority to en-hance digital literacy and streamline service delivery in the city.

The initiative sets a precedent for other local authorities, embracing digital literacy and leaving tra-ditional methods behind, enabling councillors to leverage technology for informed decision making and community development.

Local residents have welcomed the initiative, advocating for councillors to be chosen for their in-novative thinking and ideas rather than popularity or favouritism.

Councillor Lezina Mohamed emphasised that technology adoption is the new norm, with digital knowledge being essential for virtually every aspect of their work.

“Community delivery and community engagement can improve through digital literacy in many ways because that’s now the new normal and everything is now done digitally hence the reason for council to encourage residents to use more digital platforms.

“These days everything is done with digital technology and the benefits of spreading information is very high in the community,” said Cllr Mohamed.

Local authorities are gradually integrating smart technology, providing employees and residents with opportunities to acquire new digital skills, in line with the demands of the digital age.

Residents can enjoy convenient services, avoiding lengthy queues and traveling distances, with smart technology to its affordability, speed, and reliability, enabling them to access information and make payments from home.

Local councillors have been tasked with driving sustainable community development, engagement, and research, leveraging their new laptops to efficiently present well-prepared documents during meetings.

New Ziana