The community of Otjipaheua in the Otjozondjupa Region is among the areas targeted to benefit from the government's planned construction of 25 communication towers countrywide.
This was confirmed by the Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Wenzel Kavaka, during a recent visit to the community.
The visit, which brought together public entities in the information and communication sector, aimed to assess connectivity needs, identify existing challenges, and explore solutions to improve access to communication services.
Speaking during the engagement, the Deputy Minister said funding for the tower has already been transferred to Powercom, paving the way for the construction process to begin.
Powercom Senior Manager Patrick Britz explained that construction will commence once the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process is completed.
"We are currently conducting the EIA. In the coming weeks, environmental practitioners will be engaged to facilitate public participation meetings, where members of the community will have an opportunity to raise their concerns, objections, and recommendations. The aim is to complete the assessment process and obtain an Environmental Clearance Certificate. Once the certificate has been issued, we will be able to proceed with the construction phase.
Meanwhile, Telecom Namibia is exploring an interim connectivity solution through VSAT technology while the community awaits the construction of the tower.
The company's Northeast Senior Regional Manager, Samuel !Oe-Amseb, indicated that the technology could provide internet and telephone services at the local school, subject to logistical arrangements.
"While we are waiting for the tower to be erected, I also understand that there is a primary school in this area. If we can identify a suitable location at the school to host our equipment, we could explore the possibility of installing it there. Since there is no electricity supply, we would need to use solar power. However, the equipment would also need to be properly secured and protected. If we can agree to work together, we could deploy a satellite communication system known as VSAT at the school. This would provide the school with access to communication services, including telephone and internet connectivity. In this way, the school could also serve as a communication point for the wider community, allowing residents to access telephone and internet services."
According to !Oe-Amseb, the VSAT system could be installed before the end of November, provided the necessary logistical arrangements are finalised.
The planned tower will be shared infrastructure, allowing various government entities to install their equipment to address the different communication needs of the community.