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The governor of the Kavango West region, Sirkka Ausiku, says the lack of telecommunication network services has become a huge obstacle to the region’s development efforts.
She said this at a consultative meeting and the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Kavango West Regional Council and PowerCom at Nkurenkuru on Thursday.
Welcoming the team, Ausiku said there is much to be done to ensure the region is covered in terms of network.
She said the region is highly rural and the lack of access to network services is a huge obstacle to the development of the region.
“Even census, we are told our people should apply online, but we do not have connectivity. You are making life difficult for our people. So, if we are poor, you are contributing to our poverty,” said Ausiku.
PowerCom is a subsidiary of Telecom Namibia with the mandate to install telecommunication towers in the country.
Chairperson of regional council and Tondoro constituency councillor Josef Sivaku Sikongo also expressed the same concern.
He said the lack of telecommunication network leads to the unavailability of radio services, such as Radio Wato, NBC Rukavango services at Bravo and Mangetti.
Sikongo said this affects people negatively as they do not have access to information.
”Our communities are frustrated. Some have come here with nice words, but no action. NBC Rukavango service is a big disappointment. There is no service at these areas and we have been fighting for this since 2004. They tell you it is the budget, since 2004. So, if you really want to develop us, don’t do like the others,” he said.
PowerCom’s chief executive officer, Beatus Amadhila, said his team is in the region to consult and engage with the aim of signing agreements with relevant stakeholders.
He said this would enhance the working relationship between PowerCom and its stakeholders in the region and enable collaboration.
“We don’t want to plan for the region, but we want to plan with the region. We are entering into MoUs and these MoUs should be implemented,” said Amadhila.
The team also expressed concern over theft and vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure in the region and urged the leadership to sensitise the community on how this affects connectivity.
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