World Dialogue on Regulation

The Executive Director of the Rwanda Information and Technology Agency (RITA) Dr. Shem Ochuodho made the disclosure during a Community Information Centres' (CICs) workshop organised by RITA and the Ministry of Infrastructure.

"The money will be used in accelerating the establishment of telecentres and providing necessary operating equipment, as a move to enable people in rural areas access information vital for their development from the rest of the world," Ochuodho said.

Ochuodho added that telecentres play a vital role in the development of the country by bridging the information gap between local communities and the government. He further said that, "telecentres provide multi-purpose services through information, skills and consultancy, and business support by reducing the cost of doing business and business transactions between companies."

The State Minister for Communications Eng. Butare pledged the government's commitment to ensure the spread of information and communication technology (ICT) to rural areas, in an attempt to build on existing poverty reduction strategies.

"The government's commitment is envisaged in the integrated ICT policy of NICI II that emphasizes communication access to rural areas. It is clear that the telecentres will help in closing the communication gap among the rural people and the government is ready to invest in the establishment," Butare said.

Terracom's Charles Semapondo said that telecentres act as universal access points where people access information and acquire knowledge using cost-effective and convenient methods.

"Telecentres lead to job creation, sustainable growth and investing in poor people to facilitate their participation in the development," Semapondo explained.

Source: The New Times, Sulah Nuwamanya - WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News