Huawei commends govt on fibre backbone project

Huawei Malawi country director Wan Wei has commended the Malawi government for successfully implementing the National Fibre Backbone Project and operationalising the Malawi Digital Broadcast Network Limited (MDBNL) which manages the country’s digital migration process.

Wan, whose company Huawei implemented the fibre project, said this on Monday in Lilongwe after the Parliamentary Committee on Media, Information and Communication Technology visited Dowa District to appreciate installations for MDBNL and the fibre project.

“We are happy that Malawi is able to manage the projects on its own without our day-to-day involvement. This showcases that the skills transfer and training we provided are bearing fruits,” he said.

The committee’s chairperson Samuel Kawale, who is Dowa North East legislator, said the project will enable people in the country access affordable Internet connectivity and tune in to various television and radio stations.

He said the committee plays an oversight role on information  and communication technology (ICT)-related issues; hence, their visit to see the progress on the digital satellite equipment installation.

“At Dowa District Council offices, we saw how the fibre optic cables are connected at district councils. Escom [Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi] is connecting all districts, except Likoma, with these cables,” said Kawale.

In his presentation, MDBNL chief executive officer Dennis Chirwa said the project has seen the installation of a two -kilowatt and 72-metres tower and modular transmitter with an estimated life span of over 30 years. n