In line with objectives of the fund the USF department has completed one project and is currently in the process of implementing two other projects.
These projects are
Project Cost
The total cost of the project is US$6 million.
Background
The project was for the provision of telecommunication services to underserved rural areas of Zimbabwe. The licensed telecommunications operators, that is, are to share the infrastructure provided under this project for the betterment of the communities in the chosen areas. After completion of the project the infrastructure is assigned to individual operators for operations and maintenance.
Scope
This project involved the construction of eight telecommunications base station sites in each of the eight rural provinces of Zimbabwe. The scope included the erection of telecommunications towers, palisade fences on the sites, provision of solar power plant, diesel engine generators, batteries, and equipment shelters and access roads to the sites. A microwave backhaul transmission system was also connected for each site for connection to the core networks of the licensed operators.
Current Status
The following is a listing of the sites and the current status:
| Province | Site Name | Repeater | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masvingo | Malipati | Pahlela | Sites completed and on air |
| Manicaland | Chilo | Makhosa | Sites completed and on air |
| Matabeleland North | Dhlamini | Zibungululu | Sites completed and on air |
| Midlands | Chiodza | None | Site completed and on air |
| Mashonaland West | Neuso | None | Site completed and on air |
| Mashonaland East | Pfungwe | None | Site completed |
| Mashonaland Central | Chidodo | None | Site Completed |
| Matabeleland South | Manama | To be identified | Site completed Awaits microwave backhaul transmission |
Project Cost
The project is expected to cost US$24 million.
Background
This project is a continuation of the first phase project.
Scope
The project involves the setting up of forty base station sites in the eight rural provinces of Zimbabwe. Each province will have five base stations,
under this phase of the project. The scope involves the erection of telecommunications towers, palisade fences, solar power plant, diesel engine generators, batteries, equipment shelters and access roads. Microwave backhaul transmission links shall be provided. In addition, under this phase a guard house and toilet will also be provided for each site.
Current status
This project is still at tendering stage with the tender closing date for submission of bids being 28 May 2013.
Project Cost
The project is being funded to the tune of US$14 million.
Background
This project is for the setting up of computer laboratories in rural schools in underserved areas. This project is being implemented in collaboration with the Office of the President and Cabinet with the USF providing the financing. Under the first phase of this project a total of sixty schools in the eight rural provinces of the country will have a two computer laboratories each. The schools shall become community information communication technology centres which can be used by both the school and the surrounding community. Both primary and secondary schools are to benefit under this project.
Scope
The scope of the project covers the installation and commissioning of computer hardware and software, solar power plant, batteries, laboratory furniture and security systems. Backhaul transmission links shall be provided for internet connectivity. Training shall be provided for the teachers and electronic learning software shall be installed on the computers.
Status
The contract for this project has been signed and implementation of the project will begin by 20 May 2013. The duration of the project is sixteen weeks and it is expected to be completed by the end of September 2013 2013.