22 Oct 2014

Botswana Optic Fibre Network (Bofinet) has embarked on an ambitious plot to connect parts of the country with broadband network, a project estimated to cost P200 million. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony with contractors on October 20, Bofinet CEO, Mr Mabua Mabua said the network would enable service providers to reach every corner in the country. 

He said through the initiative, service providers will be able to connect high speed facilities to hospitals, government offices, schools and businesses.  He said the contractors will undertake layout of fibre optics in different parts of the country saying the projects should be complete by end of June next year. 

Mr Mabua said the project would provide an additional 1000 fibre backbone and was fully funded by government.  The projects cover Maun-Ngoma, Sekoma-Tshabong, Sehitwa-Mohembo, Maun and Kasane local loops. 

Majority of companies engaged are citizen owned and Mr Mabua explained this was a way to empower them.  Maun-Ngoma is undertaken by Four Arrows and Echoes Holdings joint venture and is a 362 km stretch. 

It will benefit other villages along the way such as Shorobe, Sankoyo and Kachikau and it passes through the Moremi Game Reserve while Sekoma - Tshabong will benefit Kang, Kokotsha, Werda and Draaihoek. 

Sehithwa - Mohembo, undertaken by Compliant Botswana and MEPI Building joint venture, stretches 325 km and villages like Etsha 6 and 13, Nxamasere and Shakawe. Ends