By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, May 21, Mana: Head of Universal Service Fund at Malawi Communications and Regulatory Authority (MACRA), Ronald Tembo, on Monday said that the authority is set to construct over 100 Information Communication Technology laboratories in schools across the country.

The initiative, which will be implemented through Connect-A-School (CAS) Project, aims at increasing access to ICT services in rural communities.

Tembo was speaking during a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of an ICT laboratory at Chifira Community Day Secondary School in Nkhata Bay.

He said that as a modem key economic driver, ICT services need to be accessible by every citizen, not only those living in urban areas, and that the authority will strive for digital inclusion for realization of Malawi2063.

"This project will address social divide where people living in urban areas have easy access to ICT services than those living in rural areas, gender divide where more men have easy access as compared to women and age digital divide through ICT literacy that will be provided in rural communities," Tembo said.

He said MACRA will in first phase construct 75 laboratories and that it is expected that over 100 laboratories will have been constructed across the country by the end of 2024.

“These laboratories will each be furnished with 60 computers and a 100 radius free internet coverage for three years," he added.

Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale Ng'oma, who is also Member of Parliament for Nkhata Bay South, applauded MACRA for the project, expressing optimism that once completed, the laboratory will contribute to improved education, among others.

He then advised students and the school’s surrounding communities to utilize the facility for businesses and to enhance skills in diverse disciplines.

"I encourage even fishermen to use this facility and get new fishing skills through internet while it gives a chance to students to access information for their education," Zikhale Ng'oma said.

 Head teacher for Chifira CDSS, Brighton Manda, said the project will enhance service delivery as teachers will access new information for their professional development with ease through internet.