FARM HOWOBEES – PowerCom CEO Beatus Amadhila says network coverage is no longer a luxury for citizens, but a right that must be enjoyed by all Namibians wherever they find themselves.
He informed stakeholders present during the ground breaking ceremony of the entity’s erection of a communication tower at Howobees recently.
The tower is situated 40 kilometres southeast of Keetmanshoop.
Amadhila said the ground-breaking ceremony signifies a milestone in PowerCom’s history, as they have erected 20 network towers in one financial year.
“With the completion of these additional 20 towers, we will be nearing a record completion of 50 new towers over three years or so,” he said. Amadhila said ground-breaking initiatives in Zambezi, Kavango West, and //Kharas were not about publicity.
“It was more about making network coverage accessible, educating, creating awareness, connecting, instilling hope, and holding hands with their most important stakeholders (the community), whom we intend to serve via digital transformation through the towers we intend putting up in all 14 regions,” he clarified.
Information minister Emma Theofelus said her ministry is driven by a clear and unwavering vision that acts as a cornerstone for progress.
“This vision underpins every aspect of our work, from crafting national policy to spearheading critical infrastructure development initiatives,” she added.
Regarding the ground, breaking, the minister said it is indeed a giant leap in Namibia’s digital journey.
She said the 20 network tower development projects that PowerCom undertook and committed to complete by the end of September 2024, valued at N$32 million, are not small initiatives.
Theofelus, in recognising PowerCom’s work, said the entity is bridging the digital divide, connecting people to a world of information and opportunities, and empowering the people from the //Kharas region and other communities in various regions to actively participate in the digital age.
“Therefore, let us work together — government, industry, and citizens alike — to ensure every Namibian has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age,” she urged.
//Kharas governor Aletha Frederick said the momentous occasion not only symbolises a significant advancement in the region’s infrastructure but also represents its collective commitment to enhancing connectivity and communication for its residents.
“Your (PowerCom) collaborative efforts in bringing this development to our region will undoubtedly play a vital role in extending network coverage, which is essential for both personal communication and business operations within our communities,” she said.
Frederick further said the initiative will empower local businesses by providing them better access to digital platforms, improve educational opportunities through enhanced online resources, and strengthen community ties by enabling seamless communication among families and friends.
PowerCom has 16 towers in the //Kharas region and plans to increase this to 28 towers over the next two to three years.
-sklukowski@nepc.com.na