By Isaac Zulu
UPND Central Province information and publicity secretary for mobilisation, Fred Khunga says electronic application for Constituency Development Fund(CDF) is hindering progress in the implementation of projects in rural areas.
In an interview with Daily Revelation, Khunga observed that while the world is fast going digital and there is need for developing countries to follow suit, most people in rural communities have no access to electronic gadgets to enable them access services electronically.
He pointed out that while there is some emphasis of not leaving anyone behind when it comes to embracing technology, e-Government has gone ahead while most people are miles behind.
“We are aware that the world is fast going digital. This is indeed working well in most developed countries.
But we have not asked ourselves the processes they passed through before reaching where they are now. Are we really serious when we say, not leaving anyone behind? With the e-Government?
It is important to move with the world. But people must be taught what this e-Government is all about because the people of Luano, people of Chama, people of Sinadambwe, people of Shangombo, people of Nsumbu, and so on; are just wondering what this e-Government is,” Khunga explained. “We can copy from other countries, yes, but instead of just teaching these procurement officers how to go about the so called e-Government, we must know that the people who are the most important are those whom it is targeting – the citizens. As things are now, the e-Government has gone ahead and the majority of Zambians are left miles behind. This has given chance to most PF – supporting procurement officers to take advantage of people’s ignorance to advantage PF suppliers.”
He said the electronic way of applying for CDF is disadvantaging many people that would want to access funds, owing to the cumbersome procedures involved.
“But you hear our people in the offices saying, there are a lot of projects which you people should take advantage of, please apply. Are you really fair to this leader? Are you sure this villager will manage – first of all, to access this information? Even if he heard about this information from a school teacher at this village school, will he be able to apply for this contract electronically? No computer, the Boma is 40 kilometers away from his or her village. Even if he cycles to his or her Central Business District, there are very few computer houses, operators may be as ignorant on the e- Government as this villager. And you say, ” Not leaving anyone behind.” Are you sure? Khunga asked.
He said not only are there cumbersome processes to apply, but also too many requirements, most of which should be accessed electronically- like e- NAPSA, e- Workers Compensation Fund, etc.
Khunga said people need to be educated on digitalization if they are to appreciate the importance of technology in their lives, instead of just parotting them.
“Many of our people have not only been left behind, but thousands of miles behind. And our leaders are sitting in those offices comfortable. They even blame UPND members for not accessing most of various grants and projects under CDF. Not leaving anyone behind should not just be a slogan. Our people need to be educated on these technology requirements other than just parroting them,” said Khunga.
