The Deputy Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Hon. Dingumuzi Phuti, M.P., delivered opening remarks at a Consultative Workshop aiming to implement the SADC Model National Emergency Telecommunication Plan (NETP) in Zimbabwe.
The workshop, held at the POTRAZ Auditorium in Harare, gathered a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving emergency communication and response capabilities in the country.
Hon. Dingumuzi Phuti expressed gratitude to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for their support in assigning a Consultant to assist Zimbabwe in transposing the SADC Model NETP. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing the National Emergency Telecommunication Plan.
The Deputy Minister highlighted decisions made by SADC Ministers in 2023 regarding the NETP, including approval of the Situational Analysis Report and directives to explore Satellite Communications (SatComs) for Emergency Communications on ANGOSAT-2.
He also emphasized directives given to the Communications Regulators Association of Southern Africa (CRASA) and the Southern Africa Telecommunication Association (SATA) to develop regulatory instruments and implement technologies to support emergency communication efforts.
Hon. Dingumuzi Phuti stressed the significance of emergency communication in disaster management and urged stakeholders to actively participate in developing a tailored National Emergency Telecommunication Plan for Zimbabwe.
He concluded by declaring the Consultative Workshop officially open and encouraged participants to engage in fruitful discussions to enhance emergency communication in the country.
The workshop aims to pave the way for a robust and effective National Emergency Telecommunication Plan aligned with the SADC Model, ultimately contributing to improved disaster preparedness and response capabilities in Zimbabwe.
