Maria David
PROPER network delivery remains key for any community; however, this has become a cause for concern after the inhabitants of Omakange in the Omusati Region vandalized the tower’s solar panels with rocks.
The Omakange site, a 48-meter solar-powered site situated in Omakange, Ruacana Constituency of the Omusati Region, serves parts of Kunene and Omusati region’s outlying areas, such as Otjombura, Okozoserandu, Okaholo, and Amaupa Primary School.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, John Ekongo, MTC Communications Manager, said it is disheartening that while they are committed to investing in bringing quality connectivity to all citizens, there are those who hamper and derail needed services by vandalizing the infrastructure.
“Connectivity is one of the key drivers of economic activities, and when infrastructure is vandalized, and equipment is stolen, it disrupts economic activities,” he said.
He added that in this specific crime incident, the perpetrator(s) threw rocks/bricks at the elevated solar panels, damaging them and inherently leaving the site in short supply of power.
According to Ekongo, they are now forced to go back and reinvest in replacing the damaged sites, causing a delay in their drive to put up new sites in underserved areas.
Moreover, Ekongo stresses that the telecommunication sector continues to battle perpetual setbacks from theft and vandalism from some members of the public.
He added that the sites erected in areas where there is no power supply are running strictly on deep cycle batteries and solar panels, and stealing those leaves communities unable to make calls to contact the police or ambulance in cases of emergency.
He added that whoever is found guilty of this will face the full wrath of the law.
Ekongo said that the company will continue to invest in protective measures to curb site break-ins and vandalism.
He further calls on citizens and traditional authorities to assist with community policing and jealously guide and protect these infrastructures.
