Govt. inches closer to bridging ICT gap between coastland and hinterland communities

The Government of Guyana, through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), entered into what is being described as a "crucial agreement" with consultancy firm - Detecon International - to conduct an assessment for the multi million dollar project.

Govt. inches closer to bridging ICT gap between coastland and hinterland communities

Citizens in hinterland, poor and remote communities across Guyana will soon benefit from improved Information and Communication Technology (ICT) access.

The Government of Guyana, through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), entered into what is being described as a “crucial agreement” with consultancy firm – Detecon International – to conduct an assessment for the multi million dollar project.

Through this agreement, the government hopes to decrease the digital and development gap between coastline and hinterland communities while at the same time expanding and improving public service delivery across the country.

The contract for the project was signed on Friday by Public Telecommunications Minister, Ms. Cathy Hughes, UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Khadija Musa and Representative of Detecon International, Mr. Stephan Dieter.

Minister Hughes said a unique opportunity has presented itself through which the government can change lives in a positive way. She expressed confidence that the project will be a driving one.

Guyana’s current internet and broadband infrastructure services are concentrated along the coastal regions with sparse and expensive connectivity options in inland areas.

Some public services are currently not easily accessible to residents in remote communities because of the lack of ICT access.

Funds for the projects will flow from the Redd+ Investment Fund (GRIFF), for which UNDP is a partner entity.

The project on the national ICT Needs Assessment is expected to commence immediately.

Working closely with the eGovernance Agency of the Public Telecommunications Ministry, Detecon’s study is expected to determine what ICT related facilities and human capabilities are already in place for e – Services in all hinterland and remote communities across Guyana.

This is expected to be completed by November this year.

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