THE COMPUTER Society of Zimbabwe (CSZ) Bulawayo chapter will next week host an information communication technology (ICT) conference on how the sector could help improve transport infrastructure for business and industry in the city.
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In an interview with Southern Eye Business CSZ Bulawayo chapter vice-chairperson Vick Ngono said the conference was targeting transport and logistics players, insurance companies, mobile technology providers, traffic authorities, among other stakeholders, to map a way forward on how ICTs can be used in improving road infrastructure to support growth of business in the city.
“The event is purposed to tap facts, opinions, ideas and research findings from a pool of ICT, transport and business experts from Zimbabwe and to promote the uptake of ICTs in transport development,” Ngono said.
The conference, set for November 22, is also focused on coming with initiatives of developing road ICT infrastructure in an effort to improve business operating environment.
The poor road infrastructure has been blamed for slowing down industry revival despite the fact that the country’s strategic location in the region has seen it being used as a transit point for trade traffic to and from major ports in South Africa.
Critics say the poor state of the country’s roads is forcing freight companies to look for alternative routes despite the strategic position of the country.
The country needs over $20 billion to upgrade its transport infrastructure which, however, had remained a tall order as the country is struggling to attract foreign direct investment.
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The rail infrastructure is also in disarray.
The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) is currently in doldrums due to lack of working capital and a huge debt overhang NRZ is now the shadow of its former glory battling with old and out-dated equipment and poor cashflows which have seen workers going for over eight months without pay.
Air transport is facing a plethora of challenges with the national carrier Air Zimbabwe battling with debt close to $100 million.
