Harare, (New Ziana) –The Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Investment Promotion has been urged to release the US$70 million required to complete the ZimDigital project, with a deadline of not later than July this year, for the country to fully integrate into the digital economy.
The project, which began in 2015, aims to construct broadcasting sites, equip them with state-of-the-art digital technology, and modernize radio and television studios to enhance content production.
It initially had a two-year completion target but progress has been hampered by insufficient funding from the Treasury, and it is currently at just 42 percent completion.
In a report presented in National Assembly on Tuesday, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services stressed that the Treasury should provide financial support to the responsible Ministry, especially in securing foreign currency required to procure digital transmitters.
“Progress has been visible, with eighteen transmission sites successfully transitioning to digital. However, delays in funding disbursements and a lack of adequate financial resources have slowed further advancements. It is crucial for the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion to prioritize the project’s financing,” the committee said.
Additionally, the committee recommended that the Ministry of Finance exempt set-top boxes from import duties to improve affordability.
“The committee further suggests that decoders be made widely available in retail outlets, including electronics stores and large chains like TV Sales and Hire. This would ensure the decoders are accessible to all Zimbabweans. Allowing the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) to expand its retail operations would also empower local businesses, while BAZ continues its regulatory role,” it said.
The project, launched by the government to meet International Telecommunications Union requirements, aims to transition from analogue to digital broadcasting with the goal of digitalising the entire broadcasting chain, from studios to transmission equipment, thereby improving the broadcasting environment in Zimbabwe.
New Ziana
