Marythar Kambinda
KATIMA MULILO - Community members in Katima Mulilo Rural will no longer need to travel long distances in search of network connectivity once network towers to be set up by PowerCom are operational.
This was revealed at a groundbreaking ceremony at Ikumwe in Katima Mulilo Rural constituency in the Zambezi region last week, where PowerCom is set to construct three network towers at Ikumwe, Nakabolelwa and Mutikitila.
The towers are expected to be completed in August. Speaking at the event, ICT minister Emma Theofelus stated that the significance of the event cannot be overstated, considering that just a few years ago, only about half of the Namibian population had access to the internet. This indicates the significant transformation that still needs to occur on a national scale in order to fully unleash the potential of Namibia’s digital future.
Theofelus said had the government not consciously and diligently embarked on this digital transformation of the nation, the digital divide would have held back national development, which extends beyond just access to technology.
“With regard to education, we realised that the gap would be a significant barrier for students in digitally-underserved communities,” said Theofelus.
The minister further said the government, more than ever, is dedicated to harnessing the power of technology, promoting digital literacy and providing access to citizen-centric digital public services.
“In doing so, we will succeed in driving innovation and enhancing governance systems within the country. This will, undoubtedly, result in greater economic opportunities for all Namibians,” said Theofelus.
She added: “It is our goal, as your government, to ensure that no part of Namibia has difficulty accessing mainstream services because of its
distance from the capital city Windhoek, or your regional offices. Having the tower here (Ikumwe) will make that goal a reality,” she said.
Theofelus added that the construction of the tower and two other towers in Nakabolelwa and Mutikitila, as well as in other areas in Zambezi, will provide access to information and communication technology. “In addition, you will now have improved connectivity, which should translate to enhanced economic growth and greater regional integration. Indeed, given Ikumwe’s proximity to the border, we believe that the tower will be the catalyst for your development as an economic hub that will strengthen business links with our esteemed neighbours, but also in the neighbouring regions and areas.”
On his part, PowerCom CEO Beatus Amadhila emphasised the importance of the event by stating that it should not be seen as just a symbol of another construction of network towers in Ikumwe, Nakabolelwa and Mutikitila, but as the beginning of a new era of connectivity and innovation for these communities.
“It is a symbol of a continuation of an aggressive approach, and the commitment that PowerCom has adopted to ensure that they do their part in enabling connectivity, and by default bridging the digital divide by enabling digital transformation in communities, thus ensuring that no Namibian is left out.”
PowerCom plans to construct four more towers at Lisikili, Linyanti, Mafuta and Gunkwe in the 2025/2026 financial year.
*Marythar Kambinda is an information officer at MICT Zambezi regional office.