Journey towards smart cities challenging: Govt

GOVERNMENT says the country must overcome numerous obstacles ranging from financial constraints, institutional barriers and capacity gaps, to realise the smart cities vision, NewsDay Business reports.

Zimbabwe hopes to establish smart cities as part of its Vision 2030 with Melfort, Chirundu and Figtree having been handpicked for the pilot phase of the project.

National Housing and Social Amenities minister Daniel Garwe told the smart cities and devolution masterclass 2024 organised by Global Renaissance Investments in Nyanga this week, that the journey towards smart cities is fraught with challenges.

Garwe said embracing digital transformation and investing in smart technologies was crucial because it could enhance efficiency, transparency and accountability in urban governance, ultimately improving the quality of life for citizens.

“However, it is important to recognise that the journey towards smart cities is not without its challenges. From financial constraints to capacity gaps and institutional barriers, we must overcome numerous obstacles to realise our vision,” he noted.

“This necessitates a collaborative approach that brings together government, academia, civil society and the private sector to drive innovation and catalyse change. By working together and collaborating with each other’s strengths, we can overcome these challenges and build a brighter future for our cities and our nation.

“Smart cities, therefore, represent a bold vision for the future of urban development, offering a path towards sustainable residence and prosperity.”

As the country strives to build smarter and more inclusive cities, he urged delegates to remain steadfast in their commitment to innovation, collaboration and sustainable development.

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