Dorset Villagers Embrace New Digital Opportunities
By Dumisani Ndlovu — Ward 21 Dorset Resettlement Area villagers now have access to public Wi-Fi, creating fresh possibilities for learners, farmers and entrepreneurs who have often faced the high cost of mobile data and limited network and digital infrastructure. Local business representatives and community leaders say the initiative could help bridge the rural-urban digital divide, improve access to information and strengthen livelihoods, provided the facility is maintained and supported by digital literacy programmes.
Dumisani Ndlovu 
Shurugwi — Villagers of Dorset Resettlement Area in Ward 21, Shurugwi South Constituency, have gained access to a public Wi-Fi facility aimed at improving access to education, agricultural information and digital business services in the rural community.
The facility was sponsored by Shurugwi South Member of Parliament, Wilson Mhuri, who said the initiative supported the Government’s policy of ensuring that rural communities benefit from national development programmes.
For students, the connection provides an opportunity to access online learning materials without relying entirely on mobile data, while farmers and small businesses can use the internet to obtain market information, promote products and conduct transactions.
Local business owner, Noel Mposi, said internet access was increasingly important for rural enterprises, allowing traders and farmers to access services without travelling to urban centres.
“Wi-Fi and wireless internet in rural areas like Dorset are no longer a luxury,” Mposi said.
He said the facility could help entrepreneurs market their products online, manage bank accounts and process orders, while farmers could access weather forecasts, crop prices and information on agricultural methods.
Access to online market information could also help farmers make more informed decisions when selling their produce, reducing their dependence on intermediaries for pricing information.
Khayelihle Rural Library Director, Siphosami Ndlovu, welcomed the facility, saying internet connectivity could give rural residents greater access to educational, economic and public services.
“We are impressed by the Honourable MP’s gesture,” Ndlovu said.
“Internet connectivity bridges the urban-rural gap by removing geographical barriers, allowing rural populations to access the same economic, educational, and public services traditionally restricted to cities," he said.
Ndlovu said the connection would complement the library’s e-learning resources but stressed the need for digital literacy training to ensure residents could use online services safely and effectively.
Beyond schoolwork, internet access could help young people search for jobs, pursue vocational training and obtain health information.
It could also make communication easier for families whose relatives live and work in other parts of Zimbabwe or abroad.
Emerging businesswoman, Patricia Patiwa, said digital financial services and mobile payment platforms could help local traders process transactions more efficiently and reach customers beyond Ward 21.
Mhuri said the project reflected the Government’s stated commitment to inclusive development.
“What I can say is that this initiative aligns with the vision of His Excellency the President, Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, with regard to the ‘no one and no place left behind’ mantra,” Mhuri said.
“The environment which has been created by the current government enables us, as leaders in various communities, to make sure that we pursue that mantra of not leaving anyone or any place behind," he said.
Dorset Business Persons Committee Chairperson, Patricia Musaka, pledged that the local business community would safeguard the equipment to help ensure the facility remained operational.
The facility’s long-term benefits will depend on reliable connectivity, regular maintenance and continued access for residents.
