Namibia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) has announced it has made major steps to close the gap in rural-urban connectivity.
The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) said this is attributable to its investment in creating over 200 ICT hubs across the country to make connectivity easier for the rural population.
In addition to helping the communities to communicate using IT resources, the centres have provided a platform where the community can access information and get news on issues affecting their development and environment.
According to New Era online portal, the multi-purpose community centres are established in consultation with regional authorities, traditional leaders and members of the community, and by carrying out feasibility studies to identify suitable and viable sites for such centres.
New Era reported that once a suitable area is identified and prior to the inauguration of the centre, a management committee is constituted by the regional council in collaboration with members of the community. The committee, which consists of seven members, then undergoes training on the handling and operation of the ICT equipment. The members work on a voluntary basis.
According to Internet World Stats, Namibia had 185,400 Internet users as of June last year, about 8.6 percent of the country’s population of around 2.1 million people.
Through the initiative, MICT has enabled over 20 centres that have been fully equipped and handed over to the communities spread over 10 regions in the country.
