Transport and Communications Permanent Secretary Misheck Lungu says the PF government is now delivering on its promise of ensuring that every part of Zambia has mobile phone connectivity.
And thousands of people converged at Kakumbauzya village in Kafumbwe Constituency in Petauke District to witness the commissioning of a new Zamtel communication tower.
Mr. Lungu observed that President Edgar Lungu had promised that his administration would work to ensure that all parts of Zambia had a phone signal and that the promise is now being fulfilled.
He said through the GRZ Communication Tower Project, more rural areas are now receiving mobile phone connectivity in line with the promise.
Mr Lungu said currently 320 new mobile phone towers have been erected with around 200 fully switched on and offering a service.
He said by 2020, all the planned 1009 new towers would be constructed across the country.
The Permanent Secretary was speaking on Thursday when he officiated at the launch of a new Zamtel communication tower at Kakumbauzya village in Petauke District.
Mr Lungu said the project is already showing great commercial promise going by the number of new customers that are signing up to the Zamtel network.
The Permanent Secretary announced that the new Kakumbauzya tower is already bringing in revenue in excess of K360, 000 a month since it was switched on.
He also revealed that Eastern Province has been allocated 113 Communication towers out of which 27 towers have so far been constructed and already on air.
“The Government under the leadership of His Excellency, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu is committed to increasing access to reliable and affordable communication services across the country. This important project by the Government will increase mobile coverage and access from the current 70% to cover almost 100% of the country at the completion of the project. The data service penetration is also likely to significantly improve, thereby greatly improving the communication and efficiency in the provision of Information and Communications Technology services across the country,” Mr Lungu said.
He added, “We also believe that the roll out of these towers will effectively improve investment in areas such as Petauke, create employment, and provide a solid foundation for the socio-economic development of the entire nation.”
Speaking earlier, Zamtel Chief Executive Officer Sydney Mupeta said the project is progressing well and he is confident that Zamtel will deliver the 1009 new towers on schedule.
“Bringing 113 communication towers to the Eastern Province is a testament of our view of this area as a key and strategic region for our business. I can confidently say that Eastern Province is one of the most promising markets where Zamtel is receiving great customer support,” Mr Mupeta said.
Mr Mupeta also called on Zambians to continue supporting Zamtel as it delivers on its promise of providing world class communication solutions.
“Let me remind our customers to continue supporting this home grown Zamtel brand as we purposefully build this nation together with every top up and phone call made on the Zamtel network,” Mr Mupeta said.
And thousands of local people converged at Kakumbauzya village in Petauke District to witness the commissioning of the tower.
The excited crowd was treated to lots of entertainment, food and a sales promotion on phones and talk time.
Professionalism has changed.
Why a Permanent Secretary praising PF government. Why Sydney (I don’t like that man, he Sunday Chanda) also praising PF. What has PF to do with Zamtel?
Yes you want to connect us to Chinese nkongole? Twakana, mukalipila mweka. Zambians havent borrowed but PF and their friends have. How do you implicate us munkongole we can see?
China go after them when they to prison
Misheck Lungu. Is he Edgar Lungu’s brother? He might well be.
This is silly, a tower is what they can go to Dance for? Zambian companies have to change their mentality. It’s an infrastructure equipment required to reach their customers?? It has no free benefit to the People. They will pay for Airtime??
You’re right,however so many people were not there to understand that no even Kaunda sank so low.They also don’t know what a professional PS is supposed to do
Wina camubaba HAGAIN!
The other week I was in Kasumbalesa, before I even crossed into DRC, I was roaming on Zamtel, in my own country roaming!