Africa-Press – Botswana. The launch of the Oodi Machaneng fibre reticulation project demonstrates government’s commitment to promoting digitilisation, Minister of Knowledge Communications and Technology, Mr Thulagano Segokgo has said.
Launching the project in Oodi on Wednesday, Mr Segokgo said the project formed part of government’s effort to expand the ICT network and broadband Internet penetration across the length and breadth of the country.
Mr Segokgo said the supply, installation and commissioning of the optical fibre networks would result in better connectivity and speedy Internet services.
The projects, he said, would especially become handy in the implementation of the government’s Reset and Reclaim Agenda of transitioning from being a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based one.
“This project is one of the telecommunications projects that were budgeted for under NDP 11, which started in April 2017 and ran until March 2023. The projects are aimed at improving connectivity and transforming the telecommunications infrastructure at international, national and local access level,” Segokgo said.
He added that the project would also help create employment opportunities and create new industries.
Meanwhile, MP for Mochudi East, Mr Mabuse Pule said the project was key to bridging the digital divide and bringing the much needed digital connection, which was expected to transform communication and Internet speed in the area.
He said the project was in line with the recently installed SmartBots village connectivity which is aimed at bridging the technological divide between the wider world and ordinary citizens.
“The advancements in technology can bridge the digital gap, enhance connectivity and promote innovation.
By leveraging on these advancements, Batswana can unlock new possibilities for economic growth, social inclusion and sustainable development,” Pule said.
When giving an overview of the project, BofiNet CEO, Mr Mabua Mabua said the project, which was fully funded by the government of Botswana, would cover 16 villages amongst them Oodi, Dikwididi, Modipane, Makwate and Machaneng.
Mr Mabua said as part of the government’s efforts to broaden Internet access across Botswana, the fiber network would further be extended to schools, government offices and schools.
He urged parents to guard against the irresponsible use of the Internet such as cyber bullying.
Kgosi Masego Semele of Oodi commended government for extending such services to rural communities, saying it would go a long way in bridging the communication gaps.
He said the connectivity would greatly benefit Oodi residents.
Kgosi Semele said through the implementation of the project, Botswana was on the right path to advancing aspirations of becoming a knowledge-based economy and applying a paradigm shift in the way business was conducted.
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