Harare (New Ziana)-The Office of the President and Cabinet on Thursday received laptops and television sets to be used during virtual Cabinet meetings.
Cabinet on Tuesday held its inaugural virtual meeting following the decision to launch a virtual platform as part of measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.
The development came at a time the country has recorded 5 643 Covid-19 cases including 150 deaths since the first case was recorded in March.
Speaking after receiving the 30 laptops and 4 television sets from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, chief secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda said the equipment would go a long way in enhancing the virtual Cabinet project.
“We have already achieved together some significant steps towards the goal of smart government. Significant among these are the building of the National Data Centre, the launch by His Excellency the President in February 2020 of the E-Cabinet system and the recent launch by His Excellency of the virtual Cabinet platform.
“It is therefore very pertinent that we are here today for the handover by your Ministry of various ICT equipment meant to enhance the virtual meeting project. This is a most welcome development which will add immense value in this programme,” he said.
Dr Sibanda said the equipment would also assist in ensuring that government services become available online before the end of 2021.
“In order for Government to be able to deliver these services electronically, it must itself also be electronically enabled. Today’s event therefore speaks to this goal,” he said.
Speaking at the same occasion, ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister Jenfan Muswere said the equipment would assist the Office of the President and Cabinet to discharge its duties effectively when conducting Cabinet meetings during and beyond the Covid-19 period.
“The virtual Cabinet solution which is an initiative of the Smart Government pillar of the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master plan will allow continued Cabinet operations during the Covid-19 pandemic and safeguard lives through working remotely as this eliminates face to face contact,” he said.
New Ziana
