Parliamentary ICT Committee Begins Oversight Visit in Oshikoto
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has started its oversight visit in the Oshikoto Region to assess the impact of MTC 4G towers built under the Universal Service Fund.
The delegation, led by Honourable Hima Iita on behalf of the committee’s chairperson, Honourable Sebastian Karupu, first paid a courtesy call on Oshikoto Regional Governor Sacky Kathindi before beginning its oversight activities.
Speaking during the meeting, Iita said the visit forms part of the committee’s constitutional responsibility to monitor, inquire and conduct oversight on government projects in line with Article 59 of the Namibian Constitution.
He said the committee is assessing the MTC 4G towers constructed at Endimbi Primary School and the nearby clinic under Section 56 of the Communications Act, Act No. 8 of 2009.
The committee will also conduct a physical inspection of the sites to determine whether the towers are improving internet access for the school, the clinic and the surrounding community.
Iita said the project is aimed at reducing the digital divide between urban and rural areas by providing equal access to information and communication technology services.
Governor Sacky Kathindi welcomed the delegation and said although Oshikoto has benefited from the project, many parts of the region still face network connectivity challenges.
He said more investment is needed to expand network coverage, improve communication and strengthen security services across the region. Kathindi added that additional network towers are needed in underserved areas to ensure communities have reliable connectivity.
The oversight visit will continue with inspections of the ICT infrastructure to assess whether the project is delivering the intended benefits to the people of Oshikoto.
