MTC Connects Vergenoeg and Mangetti Dune residents

Windhoek 12 Aug– As part of the 081Everyone Project aimed to footprint a 100 percent connectivity countrywide, ICT solution provider MTC connected residents of Vergenoeg in the Omaheke Region and the populace of Mangetti Dune in the Otjozondjupa Region.

Jubilant residents in both settlements came out in number to put to rest the days of placing their mobile devices at designated spots with little network reception as their only source of connectivity.

In an era where connectivity has fast moved from a privilege accorded to urban settings to a human right for all, the project’s full potential is to make sure that no Namibian is left out and connecting the two constituent settlements to the MTC grids serves the purpose.

Vergenoeg and Mangetti network towers falls part of over 500 network towers nationwide that the campaign aims to roll out.

Residents in both settlements have in the past experienced network troubles, with many citing that they couldn’t connect with family members, report crime or call for help. The commissioning of the network towers signalled the genesis of a new era which most, especially the young will benefit greatly.

The governor of the Omaheke Region Festus Uitele echoed the same sentiments saying the commissioning of the tower is joyous, yet historic for his region that is hard at work to uplift its remoted populace.

“I would like to commend MTC for the national project that has finally rolled out to our region. There are people in our rural settings too and just like people in the cities, no one should be left out. This is indeed a standard shift that will mark a significant transformation of the network system in our region, which will see our people experience quality and faster network connectivity,” said Uitele.

Desmond Amseb, a young man from Vergenoeg could not hide his excitements saying he can now carry his mobile phone at all times.

“You people from the cities think this is small things. Now I can carry my phone even when I go to the bush because there is network everywhere. This is big for us so thank you MTC and the government,” said Amseb during the Wednesday’s commissioning.

Omaheke region will receive seven network towers as part of the 081Everyone Projects’ phase one.

During Thursday’s Mangetti Dune network tower commissioning, residents echoed the same sentiments that the marginalized community of Tsumkwe constituency is bidding farewell the days of struggling to make calls because of no network.

Tsumkwe Constituency Councillor Fransina Ghauz said availability of network in Mangetti Dune now makes the lives of the residents easier.

“We needed network for years and finally it is here. I would like to thank MTC for making sure that the rural communities including the marginalized is connected and this is a good step into making sure development reaches out to all Namibians,” said Ghauz.

The councilor also pleaded with the community to protect the tower and avoid any vandalism.

“I’m asking you to jealously protect this tower and make sure that the property is not vandalized by anyone. It is ours, all of us, so let us take care of the tower,” she added.

ICT minister Stanley Simataa thanked the community for it patience, saying development is a process and the committed government will continue to deliver.

“This is a big step in the right direction and going ahead, you will be getting more developments coming to Mangetti Dune. Development is a process and today we are bringing connectivity to you, tomorrow it will be something else depending on the needs of the people. Today, we are now delivering,” said Simataa.

“As for the teachers, with this facility here, the excuses you had yesterday because of no connectivity, those days are over. You now have access to teach the learners using digital resources. Teach the learners about Namibia, your library is now in the palm of your hands.”

The region receives nine network towers with most towers already live.

According to MTC’s Corporate Communication Practitioner, Fikameni Mathias, this development is an inclusive measure that forms part of the progressive national network project (081Every1), which the company launched in 2017 to bring about hundred percent population network coverage.

“Network connectivity is a significant factor that has become a necessity to all citizens; and a wheel that drives and positively contributes to the socio-economic development and betterment of people’s livelihoods. Hence the need for a driven cause to eliminate the digital divide between urban and rural areas.”