19 May 2014

The use of information communication technology (ICT) equipment helps keep up with the global village development trends and plays a critical role in the transformation of life.

Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Nonofho Molefhi said this when addressing a kgotla meeting at the Central Business District of Selebi Phikwe a day before the Commemoration of World Telecommunications and Information Society Day.

He said technology enhanced communication through the use of ICT equipment and played a critical role in the development of the country.

Minister Molefhi noted that technology had evolved over the years and people had come up with new dynamic and innovative ways to improve livelihoods and bring about developments.

He told residents of Selebi Phikwe that back in the days, the way of communication was through the post, then by the telegram and later on by the telephone which was introduced by Alexander Gram Bell who was credited for inventing the first telephone in 1847.

The minister said cellphones and the internet came in later in the 21st century to make communications more eminent. Nowadays, he said, people can purchase goods through the internet and have them delivered at their door step which has improved and developed the business sector.

“Information Communications Technology has played a major role in any economy,” he said.

Minister Molefhi said that the government has put in place laws and regulations in the usage of ICT equipment and has also introduced its e-governance programme to enhance service delivery.

He mentioned that ICT has improved service delivery and has impacted positively in the education, agriculture and the health sector among others.

Regarding the health sector, he said developments had taken place such as open heart surgeries at Princess Marina Hospital. Local doctors can undertake the heart surgeries while communicating and taking guidance from doctors in Mauritius or India,” he said.

He noted that e-books also contribute to the education sector, adding that in the agriculture sector, the government is considering coming up with a way to assist cattle farmers to be able to monitor and track their livestock.

This, he said would have a positive impact in the cattle industry.

Minister Molefhi said, “Information Communication Technology will help develop the country to higher levels,” and further added that Selebi Phikwe was in the process of diversifying her economy and ICT would play a critical role.

For his part, the Member of Parliament for Selebi Phikwe West, Mr Gilson Saleshando concurred with the minister that ICT has enhanced service delivery and improved livelihoods.

He called on government to consider coming up with a plan for beneficiation of copper nickel in the country adding that projects used to produce items made from copper and nickel should be setup in the country especially in Selebi Phikwe, where the precious metals are mined and processed at the BCL smelter.

He also commended government for setting up the Botswana International University of Science and Technology, stating that the institution would play a role in the development of technology and production of graduates in various science and technology fields to help take the country to another level. END

Later in the evening, BoFiNet hosted a World Telecommunications Information Society Day dinner for all stakeholders. Ends