Binga shared network tower, the epitome of connectivity

Mthabisi Tshuma, Features Correspondent

WHEN Ms Luyando Mudenda’s parents made the decision to transfer her from her school in Binga to Bulawayo, she was hurt but could not find a way of sharing her true feelings.

She was in Grade Six at Sinamusanga Primary School in Binga District, Matabeleland North province at the time.

It was in April of 2018 when at the end of the first term her father told her to get ready to travel to Bulawayo as that would be where she was to continue her education.
Bulawayo? Her mind wandered.

Ms Mudenda only knew of Bulawayo through stories told by her aunt and other relatives that had found home in the big city.

Her young heart raced; she was scared.

The city was unfamiliar, the thought of moving made her anxious.

Her father had on several occasions tried to explain why she had to move to the city but Ms Mudenda didn’t comprehend.

She felt Sinamusanga Village had a lot to offer her. After all, that’s the only home she knew.
She didn’t realise that this was her father’s way of opening doors that many of her age mates were still dreaming of.

When schools opened for the second term, she sat at a classroom desk at Matshayisikhova Primary School in Bulawayo.

What struck her was nothing short of awe. Ms Mudenda’s classmates had cellphones while she held a pen and a downcast face.

The phones looked like toys to her, little did she know they were tools to access freedom. Freedom of expression and access to information enjoyed by many urbanites.

Ms Mudenda had since birth, been living in a shadow of the world where communication was limited to the person physically in front of her.

Thankfully, she quickly adapted and city life became easier for her.

Ms Mudenda shares a similar story with Mr Lawrence Munsaka from the same village.

Some years down the line, Ms Mudenda and Mr Munsaka were to meet on a bus from Binga to the City of Kings.

Now, they can relay a fundamental message to their families; the value of digital connectivity.
Even their chief can attest.

Chief Sinamusanga had in the past failed to fully execute his duties with his messengers always out of his court relaying messages to nearby communities and getting information from the village heads.

That is now a thing of the past as the installation of the Sinamusanga shared network tower has improved communication.

Mr Munsaka, like any other villager, is now able to mingle and share information with people across the globe.

Launched early this year, the Tower Relocation Project (TRP) is changing the network connectivity spectrum across Zimbabwe.

Ms Mudenda and Mr Munsaka are grateful.

Run by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz), in collaboration with different service providers, over 40 base stations have been set up in previously underserved areas across the country.

Under the TRP programme, sites with two or more base stations — commonly referred to as boosters — are having these relocated to areas in greater need of network connectivity.

Spread across the country, of the relocated base stations, 27 are now operational, with nine sites completed (civil and construction works done) and awaiting Radio Access Network (RAN) installation, while eight projects remain under construction.

In Matabeleland South Province, operational sites include Mapholisa in Mangwe District and Nswazi in Bulilima District. In Matabeleland North, Sinamusanga in Binga District is now on air, as is Mbuyanehanda in Mberengwa District in the Midlands Province.

In Mashonaland Central, operational sites include Cranham in Mazowe, Chatumbama, Nyamahobogo and Mukumbura in Mt Darwin, Gunganyama and Mukosa in Rushinga, Chitsungo and Guruve Nyamuseve in Guruve.

Masvingo Province has new base stations on air at Svuure and Ngwana Range in Zaka District and Gezani and Chikwarakwara in Chiredzi District.

In Manicaland Province, Nyakomba in Nyanga District and Mutanda Range in Odzi are now operational.

Other sites that are now operational include Trelawney in Zvimba (Mashonaland West), Karimbika in Pfungwe (Mashonaland East), Avilla/Fombe in Nyanga (Manicaland), Muchekawakasungabeta in Sanyati (Mashonaland West), Zvipani in Hurungwe (Mashonaland West), Fair Adventure in Hwedza (Mashonaland East), Msampakaruma in Kariba (Mashonaland West), and Ginger Turnoff in Mudzi (Mashonaland East).

Sites where civil works have been completed and are awaiting RAN installation include Maitengwe, Mlambaphele, and Mphoengs in Matabeleland South.

Sites under construction include the Gwampa area in Nkayi (Matabeleland North), Makonde Obva and Makonde Muvhami in Makonde (Mashonaland West), Musadzi in Gokwe (Midlands), Muzungurira in Shamva (Mashonaland Central), Chipfiko Dam in Mutoko (Mashonaland East), Mola in Kariba (Mashonaland West), and Gotekote in Nyanga (Manicaland).

Mr Munsaka said the network connectivity in his area is a game changer.

“The new network booster has been a total game changer for our village. We can finally stay connected with loved ones and access important information without struggling with weak signals.

“It’s amazing the difference it has made in a short time,” said Mr Munsaka.

Another villager Mr Shedmon Mwinde said they are thrilled to have reliable network coverage.

“The network connectivity has opened up new opportunities for our youth, who can study and work remotely. Even our local businesses are benefitting from improved communication with customers and suppliers.

 

“This booster has brought our village into the digital age. We’re no longer cut off from the world.

We can video call our families abroad, access online services, and even participate in e-commerce. It has truly transformed our lives,” said Mr Mwinde.

Chief Sinamusanga said the booster has brought new opportunities and improved communication, which will undoubtedly benefit his people.

 

 

 

 

“I commend the initiative and look forward to seeing further development in our area. The installation of the network booster is a significant milestone for our community. It will enhance our connectivity, facilitate economic growth, and improve access to essential services.

“I urge our people to harness this opportunity and leverage the benefits that come with reliable network coverage,” said Chief Sinamusanga.

Potraz Director-General, Dr Gift Machengete, said the authority is working tirelessly to ensure that all corners of the country have access to network connectivity.

“The TRP programme has been progressing very well. Previously, we needed around 350 towers to achieve nationwide coverage, but due to resource constraints, this was not feasible.

“We sought assistance from China and other countries but were unsuccessful. That’s when the concept of relocation was born, and we can now see that this project is bearing fruit,” said Dr Machengete.

Potraz Engineer Oswell Matsika said the TRP programme is testament to their expertise and dedication to improving connectivity.

“The results speak for themselves – stronger signals, wider coverage, and a significant boost to the local community’s digital infrastructure,” said Engineer Matsika. — @mthabisi_mthire