‘Solving network problems once and for all’

I take this opportunity to wish the president, Nangolo Mbumba, a happy 83rd birthday, and Oom Moses Kooper, who turned 70, who welcomed us with a dance and is still moving like a 35-year-old young man. 

Oud maar nie koud nie, as the saying goes. 

May the Almighty bless them with many more years.

I am honoured to be in the //Kharas region as we witness yet another groundbreaking ceremony by PowerCom, which you may have witnessed over the past two months.

I have received such a warm welcome amid the cold and wind, and I wish I brought my Nama-rok to match the Nama-stap we did at the beginning of the ceremony.

Additionally, when the cultural group was dancing, the network was misbehaving, and in my mind I thought: That is exactly why we are here! To solve these network problems once and for all!

Ladies and gentlemen, the 20 network tower development projects that PowerCom undertook and committed to complete by the end of September (to the tune of about N$32 million) are not small initiatives.

They represent far more than just the construction of physical tower structures. We can deduce then that the average network tower was constructed at an amount of about N$1,8 million each. The cost of course varies, depending on the type of tower.

Just as I echoed in my previous keynote addresses, this is indeed a giant leap forward in Namibia’s digital journey, opening up a world of opportunity for the people of the great //Karas region. 

The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology is driven by a clear and unwavering vision: to transform Namibia into a digitally inclusive nation, where technology empowers all citizens and acts as a cornerstone for progress. 

This vision underpins every aspect of our work, from crafting national policy to spearheading critical infrastructure development initiatives. We are actively pursuing several initiatives that weave the fabric of this digital future. Our ‘Smart Namibia’ strategy focuses on leveraging technology as a powerful tool to propel economic growth, enhance service delivery across sectors, and empower citizens to actively participate in shaping their destinies.

The ‘Access for All’ programme is a cornerstone initiative, dedicated to expanding broadband connectivity across the nation, particularly in underserved rural areas like the Keetmanshoop rural areas and others. 

These initiatives are not mere pronouncements; they are concrete steps, meticulously planned and diligently executed, to ensure all Namibians have the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.

We are aware we are competing with other government priorities such as education, health, housing, sanitation, water availability, electricity expansion and food security. If you were the government, what would the hierarchy of addressing these priorities look like?

The governor and councillor here are already petitioning for more areas to be connected. Today, as we conclude the PowerCom mini groundbreaking series, let us celebrate a shining example of this vision translated into tangible action. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to PowerCom and Telecom Namibia for their unwavering commitment to building this critical telecommunication tower, a testimony that they are not just catering for the urban communities, but equally so they are investing in rural communities. 

I am fully aware of the heavy investments the two entities are forking out to ensure our inclusive approach is not mere talk, but tangible action in alignment with the ministry’s mission and government objectives.

As I have stated previously, allow me to reiterate this once more: PowerCom is not simply constructing infrastructure, it is building bridges. It is bridging the digital divide, connecting people to a world of information and opportunities, and empowering the people from the //Karas region and other communities in various regions to actively participate in the digital age. 

It is for this same reason I call on all key stakeholders to continue collaborating and responding to PowerCom’s calls, be it in terms of making land available (for lease at reasonable amounts) for tower construction in a timely fashion, or responding timely to the environmental impact assessment process, as these are the key enablers in us realising these kind of infrastructure across the country. 

This in return will ensure equitable access to technology across the nation, and in the same vein empower all Namibians to contribute to and benefit from a thriving digital economy.

The ground-breaking here at Howobees also marks the site handover today, with an estimated completion time of 60 days. It further concludes PowerCom’s groundbreaking series which started in the Zambezi region to the Kavango East and Kavango West regions, and finally in the //Karas region. 

This is a powerful testament to the transformative power of partnership. The combined efforts of PowerCom, Telecom Namibia, MTC, other players in the digital space, the government of Namibia, Mr and Mrs Erasmus, and all key stakeholders have made this project a reality. 

This collaborative spirit is crucial as we strive to build a truly connected Namibia, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age. Therefore, let us work together – government, industry, and citizens alike – to ensure that every Namibian has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.

The telecommunications industry is strategic and we should ensure that the //Karas region benefits maximally through telecommunications as we tap into the new and emerging industries powered by innovative technologies such as green hydrogen and new oil discoveries.

Together, let us continue building a Namibia where technology empowers, connects, and propels us all towards a more prosperous future. – Minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Telecom Howobees tower,

15 August 2024.