The Katima Mulilo Town Council recently signed an agreement with MTC Namibia, which will allow internet users to access WiFi services in the central business district (CBD) of the town.
This is a noble and forward-thinking move aimed at empowering residents and visitors alike to have easy access to mobile technology.
WiFi by the day and hour is becoming an important tool for students in the modern world, as it allows them to stay up-to-date with their studies. On the other hand, students and learners alike have access to online materials, and they also stay connected with fellow students.
When learning about this development at Katima Mulilo via the local print media, I was immediately reminded of the City of Windhoek’s promise a few years back about free WiFi for the capital’s residents. We are not sure if we have to wait for another five years to see whether that promise will be fulfilled.
In the meantime, Katima Mulilo, despite its challenges regarding the town’s administration, at least to some extend will be easing the burden of its residents.
WiFi is a daily essential product and people will not take it for granted, irrespective of how far they stay from the CBD, considering their understanding of this free service.
Unfortunately, there will be those who will want to misuse and abuse this free service for unproductive and irrelevant things, as is the case throughout the country where there is access to free WiFi.
Our trust is that the Katima Mulilo Town Council has mapped out a sustainable budgetary plan which will maintain the service, and see to it that it serves the intended purpose/s.
By now, it must be quite evident that all municipalities throughout Namibia realise the importance of WiFi to students, learners, businesses, upcoming entrepreneurs and the general public.
Thank you, Katima Mulilo, for taking the lead, and keep it up.
* Alvenus F. Dreyer is a proponent for social and economic justice, born and brewed in Namibia.