The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, has underscored the government's commitment to achieving universal digital connectivity.
Addressing the community of Aussenkehr Settlement, Theofelus highlighted the strides made in expanding network infrastructure and digital services.
"We are now in the process of expanding network connectivity, like I said yesterday, I was in Keetmanshoop Rural. In this financial year, we are expanding network connectivity across the country. As you know, the government has 121 constituencies. So we are trying our best to ensure that every constituency is taken care of when the network is a concern. But don't think that we're not thinking about you. We have taken note of the real thing that's having blind spots, and we'll come back to the ||Kharas Region after we have services we have not been to."
Some of the areas in the settlement also lack broadcasting services.
"We will look at how we can improve network connectivity and the broadcasting disc to be added to the network so you have access to those of the radio stations in our local languages."
Minister Theofelus reminded the community to be aware of cell phone scams.
"It's becoming a great concern, and as a ministry of ICT, we have put together a programme to train our citizens to protect themselves online. The more you have the cell phone, the more you can go on WhatsApp and the internet to Google things, and the more you can have a bank account to transact through cell phone banking and internet banking, the more the risk comes."
The Councillor for Karasburg West highlighted some challenges the community faces, such as a lack of proper housing.
Minister Theofelus assured the community that she would convey the latter challenges to the relevant ministers.
She also informed the gathering about the endorsement and implementation of the minimum wage of N$18 per hour, which will come into effect in January next year.