The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, in collaboration with key partners, has prioritized specific areas in the Omaheke region where mobile and broadcast network coverage needs upgrading.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with regional leaders in Gobabis, Minister Theofelus emphasized that villages like Otjiwarongo and others in the Aminuis constituency urgently require improved network coverage.
The minister also stated that existing towers in other areas of the region will be upgraded to enhance their coverage.
Theofelus highlighted the crucial role of local leaders in ensuring that development benefits their communities.
"Connectivity is essential; that's why, as the ICT Ministry, we aim to make it an enabling lever for development, especially for socioeconomic progress in our country. We are here today to identify the most pressing areas in the Omaheke region, particularly those with zero connectivity—meaning no access even to 2G. This lack of connectivity prevents people from sending text messages or accessing radio services. So far, our master list includes only one area in the Aminuis constituency, and we are committed to ensuring service delivery. However, we believe that hearing directly from the residents is the best way to understand whether some areas require new towers or just upgrades."
Regional Governor Pijoo Nganate underscored the importance of access to information, identifying radio coverage in rural areas as an urgent priority.
"It is unacceptable that, in a country as small as ours, some people have no access to information or government services. Your profile is critical in bringing the government closer to the people."
Chairperson of the Omaheke Regional Council, Ignatius Kariseb, drew attention to poor network reception at the Trans Kalahari Border Post.
He called for immediate action, given the significance of the tasks being handled at this border crossing.
"For three to five days without network access at the border is a security threat. We don't know what might happen at any moment from our neighbors, so we must prioritize this issue. If we are intruded upon, we need the ability to respond effectively because we cannot rely on the Botswana network being better than ours and just accept that."