Government says it would support investments that are inclined to providing solutions to the complex issues that have fuelled stagnation of the development efforts in various sectors of the economy.
And Celtel managing Director, David Venn, says his organisation has invested over
K60 billion on the development of latest technology to address the need to improve
network quality on the Copperbelt province.
Speaking during the official opening of the Celtel Northern Region Head quarters
Offices in Kitwe today, Copperbelt Acting Permanent Secretary, Macdonald Mtine, said
Government is happy with the steady development strides that have occurred in the
telecommunications sector.
Mr Mtine said reliable communication is critical in the development process of the
nation.
He said it was interesting to note that Zambia is now able to keep pace with
technological advancements in the telecommunication sector through innovative
products and services such as mobile access that enables people to access mail
through a cellular phone or lap top computer.
He further said Government would make use of the new GPRS Technology to monitor the
activities of their vehicles and ensure they were not subjected to abuse.
Mr Mtine also commended Celtel for sponsoring traditional ceremonies which were
aimed at uniting the nation.
And speaking earlier, Celtel Managing Director, Mr. Venn said his organisation is
now moving its focus to the Copperbelt to push for economic development in North
Western, Luapula and Northern province.
Mr Venn said Celtel has embarked on major rehabilitation of infrastructure on the
Copperbelt which has seen the construction of 36 new Towers while 20 more would be
constructed before the end of the year.
He said so far his company has put up 84 towers on the Copperbelt with a clientele
of 1.5 million people through out the country making it one of the leading mobile
phone service provider in Zambia.
And Kitwe Mayor, Maleta Kasonde, has called on other corporate organisations in the
telecommunication industry to emulate Celtel’s investment strategies.
Mr. Kasonde said Celtel has embarked on a number of programmes that have added value
to the lives of the Zambian people.
ZANIS
