Mpinganjira launches Malawi TV white spaces pilot project
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Brown Mpinganjira, has said government is committed to supporting projects carried out by various stakeholders to promote ICT in the country.
The minister made the remarks Monday at St. Mary’s Girls Secondary School in Zomba when he commissioned Malawi TV White Spaces (TV WS) pilot project for rural broadband connectivity.
He said TV WS was one project that has government support and would want it to succeed in order to provide the rural masses access to information on various issues.
The commissioning attracted a cross section of people representing the University of Malawi (UNIMA), Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) and traditional leaders.
“Malawi Government will never cease to support all efforts that are promoting ICT in the country and as government we encourage our officers to be computer literate so as to be effective enough in service delivery,” said Mpinganjira.
He added: “This project has also supported government to reduce unemployment levels since many people have been and continue to be employed.”
The minister then commended the Physics Department of Chancellor College, a constituent college of UNIMA, for introducing the pilot project and launching it in Malawi besides United States of America, United Kingdom, South Africa and Kenya.
Mpinganjira urged beneficiaries to use the facilities appropriately in order for them to appreciate the modern technology and its impact today.
MACRA’s Board Chair, Martha Kwataine, said it was MACRA’s mandate to stand on top of all new ICT activities in Malawi so as to serve the public better.
She noted that the project would greatly improve quality health care services and education in Malawi especially to the rural areas.
The MACRA boss assured Malawians that her body would continue to collaborate with various stakeholders and individuals in promoting communication in the country.
In her speech, Sister Mary Chimalizeni, Headmistress of the school appealed for more computers from various stakeholders so that a good number of students and teachers have access to e-books and information to better their academic results.
Dr. Chomora Mikeka and Dr. Justice Mlatho, both from Physics Department, who are the project’s pioneers and directors in Malawi were full of smiles at the commissioning of the project.
TVWS project has so far targeted the health, military, geological and academic sectors in Zomba at Pirimiti Rural Hospital, Malawi Airwing, Geological Survey and St. Mary’s Girls Secondary School respectively.
Board Chair and Minister of Information
