25 Aug 2015

Minister of Transport and Communications Honorable Tshenolo Mabeo says government has an important role to play in creating a knowledge-based economy that will drive sustainable development and societal benefits for all.

Officiating at the Sekoma-Tsabong route Fibre Project completion ceremony on Saturday August 22, he said a country’s ICT sector enables economic diversification and growth, drives innovation and entrepreneurship, and creates lucrative employment opportunities as well as developing skilled and knowledgeable workers.

“In line with Vision 2016, it is envisioned that the National Maitlamo ICT policy will position Botswana for sustained growth in the digital age by serving as a key catalyst in achieving social, economic, political and cultural transformation within the country,” said Mr Mabeo.

Minister Mabeo said a strong commitment to advancing ICT is one of  government’s efforts to improve access to education, facilitate health care delivery, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations, strengthen citizen participation in government decision making and accessibility to people living with disabilities and other under represented members of the society.

Minister Mabeo also commended the Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet) and Dimension Data for completing the project well in time and within budget.

Giving the project overview, BoFiNet Chairman Mr Gadzani Thangwane said the rationale of the fibre project was to implement a network that all service providers in the country could use to provide reliable and fast internet, data, as well as voice services to communities in the affected areas.

Mr Thangwane said Fibre optic cables are a special communication module used to carry data and information and is widely used by internet service providers and in the telecommunication systems.He said the Sekoma-Tsabong Fibre Project entailed excavating and digging trenches along the 360 km route and it will benefit government offices, businesses, schools and individuals residing in those areas.

In conclusion Thangwane thanked the Ministry of Transport and Communications for allowing them to exercise their mandate of integrating ICT facilities.

For his part, Managing Director of Dimension Data, Mr. Duncan Pie said they managed to complete their work as planned and utilized local resources like fuel, food and accommodation within the area so as to uplift the standard of living of those communities.

He went on to say they provided employment opportunities to the residents and that they have also learnt certain skills out of their active participation in the project.

“In pursuit to helping mould an educated and informed nation, we saw it fit to introduce a Saturday school at the junior schools so they could harness their ability in English, Mathematics and Science subjects,” explained Pie.

The junior schools that benefited from the project include Tsabong, Tapologo, Molongwa and Kgolagano Junior schools, students are also provided with food and transport.

When giving vote of thanks, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Honourable Frans Van Der Westerhuizen said government’s effort like this one creates an enabling environment for people to develop and that helps in the development of the nation.

 “Making people aware of the benefits derivable from the use of ICTs will help to make the society a healthy one,” he said. ENDS