President Levy Mwanawasa has hailed Celtel’s developmental activities in the country.
President Mwanawasa said Celtel has contributed greatly to the improvement of the tele density in the country which he said has risen from three percent in 2001 to 16 percent todate.
Mr. Mwanawasa hoped the company would keep growing and affording Zambians effective
and improved network infrastructure in the country.
President Mwanawasa was speaking in Lusaka today when MTC Chief Executive Officer
Saad H Al Barrak paid a courtesy call on him at the State Lodge.
MTC is a telecommunication company that bought Celtel Africa 18 months ago.
President Mwanawasa also commended Celtel Zambia for introducing the bursary fund
which will target vulnerable pupils in grades eight through to grade 12 for a period
of five years.
The President assured Celtel of Government’s full support in its efforts to improve
the welfare of Zambians.
And President Mwanawasa has said that there was a lot of under development in Zambia
which needed to be tackled by every developmental-oriented organisations and
individuals.
He pointed out that it was unfortunate that people have a feeling that Government
should provide everything for them saying Government would be pleased to see
organisations or individuals contributing towards the development of the country.
Meanwhile, MTC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Barrak has revealed that Celtel will
invest a total of US$100 million for improvement of network services in Zambia.
Dr. Barrak who revealed that the company has so far invested over US$250 million
said the proposed US$100million is meant to improve the capacity of the network
coverage.
The MTC Chief further assured the President that Celtel is committed to adding new
features and products to make the services more reliable.
Dr. Barrak noted that he was in the country to show commitment and appreciation to
President Mwanawasa’s guidance and conducive environment which had given the company
hope and trust to stay on track.
He said Celtel is committed to listening to advise on how best to develop the
telecommunication sector in the country.
And speaking earlier, Celtel Zambia Director, David Venn said Celtel has set aside
K1 billion towards the ‘ Build Our Nation’ bursaries fund.
Mr. Venn revealed that Celtel bursaries project will run for five years and will see
a full sponsorship of vulnerable pupils from grade eight through to grade 12.
He said his company would work with the Ministry of Education to ensure transparency
of the distribution of the funds to vulnerable pupils.
Dr. Barrak arrived in the country yesterday.
ZANIS
That is good to know that celltel has set up a scholarship/bursary program for poor students in grades 8- 12. Congratulations for such an initiative and the funds rich the intended benefitiaries.May i suggest to celltel and many other business houses in Zambia to consider investing in higher education as well.College and univeristy education needs alot of scholarships and bursaries. Human development best comes when education at all levels is given to a society like ours.I commend you for your initiative celltel.