Mitete District, a rural area in Zambia with a population of about 40 thousand people, has been struggling with internet accessibility for years which has undoubtedly affected the district’s economic development.
According to Misheck Mutelo, the Member of Parliament for Mitete Constituency, in Western Province of Zambia, the only part of the district with internet access is the small central part. This means that a vast majority of the population has been deprived of this fundamental service, hindering the district’s economic development.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Mutelo that the district will finally get internet access by the end of the year. He revealed that the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) will be putting up two towers to cover the interior part of the district.
He explained that the installation of the towers has been delayed due to challenges with the pontoon, which has hindered the progression of fixing the towers. However, Mutelo assured that the problem has been rectified, and the towers will be installed and completed by the end of the year, marking a significant milestone for the people of Mitete District.
The importance of internet access for economic development cannot be overstated. The internet is a crucial tool for businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals to access information, communicate with others, and access a global market. The lack of internet access in Mitete District has undoubtedly hindered the district’s economic growth, but the installation of these towers is expected to open new doors of opportunities for the people of Mitete.
The installation of two towers will provide internet access to a significant portion of the district’s population, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the district’s economic development.
“I can confirm that the district has no internet access except for a small part of Mitete Central where there is some semblance of internet connectivity, but we have engaged ZICTA and this is when they are putting up two towers to cover the interior part of the District,” he said.
For comments, contribution and whistleblowing email: editor@zambianbusinesstimes.com
picture below is Mitete Town Council.
