ICT Committee Commends Progress in Rural Network Connectivity
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has commended the progress made in expanding network and internet connectivity to rural communities, saying the development is improving access to essential services and narrowing the digital divide.
Speaking at the conclusion of the committee’s oversight visit to the Kunene, Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions, Member of Parliament Hon. Willem Amutenya said the visit allowed the committee to better understand the challenges faced by communities due to poor network coverage.
He said many residents previously had to walk or travel long distances to find a mobile network signal, with some communities climbing hills and searching for places where they could make phone calls.
He said the situation has improved in areas where new network infrastructure and public Wi-Fi have been installed.
Amutenya said schools, communities and public institutions are now benefiting from improved network and internet connectivity, describing it as an important achievement in improving the lives of rural communities.
He commended the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), the Universal Service Fund and MTC for extending communication services to previously underserved areas.
He said the initiative has helped bridge the gap in network and internet access and brought government services closer to the people.
Despite the progress, Amutenya acknowledged that some communities still do not have network coverage.
He said the committee remains committed to ensuring that the remaining underserved areas are connected.
He also thanked the media, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, NBC and other stakeholders for supporting the oversight visit and helping to keep the public informed about government programmes and the challenges facing communities.
Amutenya stressed that the purpose of the oversight visit was not only to identify challenges but also to find practical solutions that will improve service delivery.
He said improved connectivity enables communities to access healthcare, education and other government services more efficiently, including allowing residents to communicate with nearby clinics during emergencies.
He said the Parliamentary Standing Committee on ICT will continue conducting oversight visits across all regions of Namibia to assess network and internet connectivity in support of the country’s National Development Plan Six (NDP6), which aims to achieve nationwide digital transformation by 2030.
He added that every community should have access to reliable communication services, and that even a single household without connectivity should be considered a challenge.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Hon. Hilma Iita described the committee’s oversight visit to the Kunene, Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions as insightful and commendable.
She said the visit provided the committee with a clearer understanding of the challenges experienced by communities and the progress made in improving digital connectivity. Iita added that the findings from the oversight mission will help guide future efforts to ensure that all Namibians have equitable access to network and internet services.
