Swakopmund
Erongo Region now has at its feet a state-of-the-art information centre and recording studio that are available for use by the public in the new regional office building of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology in Swakopmund.
“The ministry is on a journey to continuously improve the lives of Namibians in terms of their ICT needs and more of these … are in the pipeline for other regions,” the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Tjekero Tweya, said last week Friday.
The new building was constructed at a cost of N$12 million, and Tweya said it should be regarded as a gateway to government information as it will serve as an essential development tool in reinforcing access of government information to its electorate.
Besides the start-of-the-art information centre and recording studio, the building also features other information technology features that are meant to make IT access easier for the community. The office will also provide internet facilities, in addition to video production, sound services provision, writings and other functions.
The minister said the new regional office now also creates opportunities for young aspirant artists to record their artwork, music or drama activities.
“I encourage the public and especially the youth to optimally utilise services provided by the office. Also, the migration to digital format will make governments more responsive and make it easier for citizens to access public records, information, and government services through the internet. It is against this backdrop that the ministry continues to install internet in at least 26 multi-purpose centres established in the remotest parts all 14 regions for e-governance,” Tweya explained.
He appealed to the business sector in Erongo to complement government’s efforts and assist in the establishment of multi-purpose centres in rural areas.
According to the minister, this will not only ensure equitable access to ICT by all citizens, including disadvantaged groups and rural communities, but also improve their livelihoods.
The new government ICT regional office is situated at the corner of Rakotoka and Dutch streets and also houses the New Era Newspaper office for Erongo Region.