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Sydney Mubaiwa in Zaka
Zaka villagers say poor mobile network coverage continues to hold back socio-economic development in the district. Most of the villagers say they are forced to walk for long distances to get mobile phone network hotspots, especially in the mountainous district.

They also say there is need to install more base stations in Zaka as it is one of the biggest and most populous districts in Masvingo. Zaka Ward 27 Councillor Mr Bernard Chinaka yesterday said the poor network coverage was stalling development.

“We are facing a critical challenge in terms of business and communication. There is poor coverage in most parts of Zaka for almost all the mobile phone networks. One has to walk for long distances to reach the few and isolated mobile phone hotspots, which are mostly accessible on mountain tops,” said Cllr Chinaka.

“We are appealing to Government and mobile phone network service providers to urgently intervene and help the people of Zaka. The situation cannot remain like this because it is affecting our business,” he said.

Councillor Chinaka said due to the inefficient and ineffective communication system, it is currently difficult for villagers to communicate with ease. Information about Government programmes such as the Presidential Inputs Support Scheme, Cllr Chinaka said, was difficult share among the districts. It is believed that transacting through mobile money platforms such as EcoCash,Telecash and One Wallet is currently a nightmare for Zaka villagers.

“Information flow is affected because of the problem of poor network coverage. Imagine a person having to get to a mountain summit to do a simple EcoCash or Telecash transaction – it’s a nightmare,’’ said Cllr Chinaka.

Among the areas in Zaka worst affected by poor mobile phone network coverage are those that are in remote parts of the district such as Bvukururu, Mugudubi and Chipinda. Zimbabwe now has 98 percent mobile phone penetration ratio, with most rural communities now accessible with mobile phones.