The Keetmanshoop municipality and Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) last week signed an agreement to provide digital service solutions to the populace at the southern town.

The agreement was prompted by the municipality’s drive to adopt modern technology and quality connectivity in its promise to seamlessly serve and deliver quality municipal services to the Keetmanshoop residents. 

As part of the agreement, the parties agreed to jointly promote, among others, multiple payment methods for vending water and electricity via MTC’s digital channels, develop the Municipality’s Smart Metering and Smart Grid platform with the aim to remotely assist with data management, and automation, develop Smart Home Connectivity products for the municipality’s clients, co-share the Municipality’s Transmission and Fiber infrastructures, and collaborate on community WiFi services for residential suburbs.

Speaking at the signing, MTC acting chief commercial officer, Elton Katangolo said; “MTC is pleased to have laid a cooperation framework with the leadership of Keetmanshoop town council, through which we will be facilitating the transformation of how the municipality conducts business from traditional to a more vibrant ecosystem of connected digital web that enhances users’ experience. As a digital enabler, we are very intentional about meaningfully contributing and aiding Namibian institutions to incorporate digitalisation in how they conduct business.”

Mayor of Keetmanshoop McDonald Hanse commented that “the signing of this agreement with MTC is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a tangible commitment to align Keetmanshoop with the current trends of technology and innovation. Through this partnership, we will leverage the expertise and resources of MTC to implement a comprehensive smart city framework that addresses the unique needs and challenges of our town”.

Hanse highlighted the long-term development goal of Keetmanshoop. This entails improving access to information for residents through such partnerships to exponentially strengthen the communication sector of a town. Increased municipal management of digital infrastructure aim to transform Keetmanshoop into a “smart city”, providing high-speed internet, strong mobile connectivity, and various digital services as an accessible necessity, not as a luxury.

With this partnership, Keetmanshoop is set to pursue smart metering, improved service delivery, systems efficiency, seamless data-driven business processes, enhanced citizen satisfaction, and supporting and nurturing local digital innovation and solutions. -priscillamukokobi@gmail.com