- Why internet connection crucial
- Nape warns against cyber bullying, hatred, disunity
THE launch of high-speed internet services at the Uhuru Peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is set to open up a number of socio-economic opportunities and spurring growth of tourism sector.
The Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology Nape Nnauye made the statement on Tuesday shortly after launching the high-speed internet at Africa’s rooftop.
The internet services on Africa’s highest peak were installed for the first time in August, this year at Horombo area, 3,720 metres above the sea level, but this time the internet has been installed on the roof of Africa with the slogan ‘Data Kileleni’ which aims to further promote tourism at and around Mount Kilimanjaro.
The service is part of the government’s continued efforts to improve services in the tourism sector, a move that will also attract more tourists and contribute to the growth of the national economy.
“This project will help to market tourism sector and opening multiple employment opportunities through increase in the number of tourists as well as facilitating communication while at the mountain,” he said.
He said benefits of installing the internet services have started to be realised, as it has simplified work, ease tourists communication and increasing internet users at the park.
Mr Nape also underscored the need for proper use of the internet for development instead of using it to incite hatred and disunity among people.
“I want to send this message to the world to value humankind, people are bullying each other on the internet, this is not right, we are providing the internet for the sake of promoting development,” he said, adding; “We want it (internet) for development, we want people to love and respect each other. We are at the roof of Africa, this is the message from Africa and we want the world to come together”.
Mr Nape went on to ask members of the community to use all the innovation in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in unifying people in a sense that creates peace, love and harmony.
Apparently echoing the Uhuru Torch spirit, the minister was of the view that, apart from stimulating the economy, internment should be used in spreading love and bringing hope where there was no hope.
The minister also commended the local engineers who installed the services in all points of the Mount Kilimanjaro, saying their determination will play a role in enhancing the economy through the tourism sector.
“Installation of the internet services at the Uhuru Peak has sent a message to the world that the Africa top roof is in Tanzania as we said when we started a journey to climb this mountain six days ago,” he said.
“As of now, we are expecting a rapid economic growth through communication services in the tourism sector, this will complement the hard work that has been done by local engineers who installed internet services at this mountain regardless of the challenges they were facing throughout the exercise,” he added.
Minister Nape noted further that a total of 400 Tanzanian youth participated in the construction of various infrastructures for internet services.
“Some of the equipment was heavy but this team of patriotic Tanzanians made it possible as they devoted their energy and skills to accomplish this exercise within the given timeframe,” he stated.
In another development, Mr Nape asked residents surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro to stop banning the forests because the government spends a lot of money to contain fire outbreaks.
“I’m commending TTCL for reinstalling communication services within a short period after fire incidents in this mountain, I’m calling upon Tanzanians to preserve the infrastructure for future prosperity,” he said.
For his part, the TTCL Director General Eng Peter Ulanga said the corporation is currently implementing a strategy of connecting the country.
“In our five year strategic plan, the corporation will ensure the national fiber is connected to people’s residences, offices, business centers and all places with tourism attractions,” he said.
Realising the importance of the tourism sector, TTCL will enhance the efforts in supporting its growth for national development.