By Alpha Abu
Work on Phase Two of the fibre connectivity project along designated routes has reached 90 percent, nearing completion, according to the Director in the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), Muminnie Jalloh. He gave the statistics in a presentation at the Media/Civil Society Retreat in Bo, which was organised by MIC for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to present their scorecard in line with the government’s manifesto and the Mid Term National Development Plan.
According to the statistics presented, the phase 2 fibre connectivity network has passed through dozens of towns from Kamabai, Fadugu in the North to Baima, Kangoma in the East, and Sumbuya and Nitti in the South. Five more districts Kailahun, Pujehun, Koinadugu, Bonthe, and Moyamba have been drafted into the fibre network. The process will cover a distance of 628.93 Kilometres when completed. The fibre service is expected to greatly improve internet accessibility in far flung areas and would enable users to operate their connected devices with speed.
It was outlined that Sierra Leone’s Digital Transformation Project to be funded by the Internal Development Agency will cost $50 million, which would close the remaining infrastructure gap and build a “robust digital ecosystem to fully maximize the country’s growth potential and opportunities through digital transformation”. The project has five components that will expand digital connectivity and foster digital financial inclusion. It will on the whole help strengthen an enabling environment for digital transformation.
According to the data presented, there has been a significant rise in the number of people using the internet over the last four years. There are now 2.39 million internet users which is 29.7 percent this 2021 compared to 2017 which had 370,000 users or 6.0 percent, a growth rate of over 20 percent. Social media users are now 850,000 in number in 2021 as compared to 370,000 in 2017.
The director of information also highlighted key policies and strategies that are to be addressed such as those on National E-Government, National Infrastructure Sharing, and National Broadband.
He spoke of deliverables like the Cyber Security and Crime Act of 2021 and the Electronic Transaction Law that has been given assent, and the already gazetted New Electronic Communications Bill, and the Data Protection and Privacy Law that’s being given stakeholder consultation.
On the recently enacted Cyber security and Crime Law, a run-down was presented on the various actions that could be considered criminal under the law. Acts that can be committed through the use of computers include cyberstalking and bullying, online child sexual abuse, racism, xenophobia, identity theft, and registration of cybercafés. Other crimes can also be committed against computers by embarking on unauthorised data interception and system interference and unauthorized access to protected systems.
Jalloh also highlighted the National Digital Development Strategy in place that comprised seven focal areas including providing e-government services and platforms to businesses and citizens, and the creation of policies and regulations that foster investments and cooperation, and also “regulation on licensing of scarce resources for communications-like spectrum as well as digital broadcasting”.
President Julius Maada Bio at his first State Opening of Parliament in 2018, outlined his government’s vision that spoke of establishing “an electronic governance system to manage government business electronically’’, and “increase access particularly the rural poor to all aspect of communications technology”.
The two-day retreat held at the Bo Inn was the second to be organised by the MIC. The maiden event took place in Bo last year and was limited to journalists, unlike this year’s which had representatives of civil society organisations in attendance. Ministers and department professional heads made presentations on their various activities and plans.
Copyright © Politico Online 08/12/21
