The Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Ms. Doreen Mwamba, this morning met with her counterpart from the Ministry of Technology and Science, Mr. Felix Mutati, to discuss ways of improving network connectivity in rural areas.

This meeting follows concerns raised by Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries in rural areas about poor network connectivity, which has hindered digital payments of their funds.

During her recent tours of Northern and Southern Provinces, Minister Mwamba heard firsthand about the challenges faced by beneficiaries.

In response, Minister Mutati revealed that his Ministry plans to construct more communication towers in districts to improve connectivity and generate revenue for the country, an initiative he says has potential to greatly benefit social protection beneficiaries.

Present in the meeting were personnel from Zamtel, an indigenous communication company, who presented potential partnership opportunities with the government to facilitate quick and easy disbursement of Social Cash Transfer funds to beneficiaries.

The meeting was attended by Permanent Secretaries Ms. Beatrice Chilomo from the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services and her counterpart from the Ministry of Technology and Science Eng. Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu.