By JAMES KUNDA? –
THE Zambia Information Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has so far erected 147 out of 169 new telecommunication towers earmarked for construction in selected rural parts of the country.
ZICTA assistant public relations officer Christabel Simbulo said that the 147 towers were?already on air while the remaining 22 were undergoing works to be linked to the airwaves.
Ms Simbulo said an interview yesterday that ZICTA had set aside K1million for the project which was aimed at bridging the digital divide between the rural and urban community.
The Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) said the erection of new telecommunication towers by ZICTA would help enhance access to communication by the rural community.
ZACA executive director Samuel Simutunda said people in the rural areas had been deprived of the ability to contribute to economic activities due to inadequate communication infrastructure.
“We commend ZICTA for coining an idea aimed at providing communication facilities for rural dwellers because this will promote inclusiveness in sharing ideas for economic growth,” he said.
The improvement of telecommunication infrastructure could not be over emphasised as it promoted business activities in rural areas and provided public access to mobile and internet services.
