Days of holding cellphones high up in search of network now a thing of the past for Kries settlement as MTC commissons network tower
The residents of the Kries settlement near Gibeon in the Hardap region this week came out in numbers to the commissioning of a network tower, through the MTC’s 081Every1 campaign.
Kries’ network tower forms part of 41 towers tipped for the Hardap region and over 500 network towers nationwide that the campaign intends to roll out.
The 2004-declared-settlement with just below 2000 people have in the past experienced network troubles, with many citing that they could not connect with family members, report crime or call for help. The commissioning of the network tower now signaled the genesis of a new era which most, especially the young will benefit greatly.
“The days of holding cellphones high up in search for network have become a thing of the past. Now we can even use WhatsApp, call our families down South and be in touch with friends around the country.” These were the words of a young jubilant, Fredriko Swartbooi, just after the new tower went live.
Gibeon councillor Jeremia van Neel praised MTC for finally packing away the days of having to walk to Gibeon just to make a call.
“I thank the settlement and regional leadership for the support to date. Today MTC has come through. We see that we are now part of the 081Every1 family,” said a van Neel.
Hardap Governor, Hon Esme Isaack echoed the same sentiments saying the commissioning of the tower is joyous, yet historic.
“This constituency in my region has in the past enjoyed a bad network. Today, it proves that our cry for development did not fall on deaf ears. The challenge of network infrastructure is not unique in the region, but I’m pleased that MTC is responding to the call of the Harambee Prosperity Plan to make sure that no one is left out,” said Isaack.
Cutting the ribbon to switch on the tower was the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Stanley Simataa, applauded the Kries residents for their patience in waiting for development.
“The days when we had to climb trees and walk to mountains in search for network are gone. Now you feel that you are part of the Namibian house. Thank you MTC,” said the minister.
“What is happening here is not a mistake, but it is by design. The government is delivering to its promises and it will continue to deliver. Many were doubting when we started planning for this but here we are today. This just explains that development is a journey,” said Simataa adding that two other sites in the constituency were set to go live the same day.
According to MTC’s Chief Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Officer, Tim Ekandjo, this development is an inclusive measure that forms part of the progressive national network project (081Every1), which the company launched in 2017 for hundred percent population network coverage.
“Namibians are embracing an increasingly digital enabled lifestyle driven by growing smartphone uptake, advanced 3G and 4G networks, and we owe it to our customers to channel funds and invest in projects that will attend to the fast evolving technological landscape. We are fast moving from the era where network connectivity is a privilege to times when it has become a right, and it is our mandate to make sure that every Namibian is connected,” said Ekandjo.
