Fibre Optic Cable Blown
The Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Information and Communications and Huawei Technology have officially marked the blowing of the Fibre Optic cable that will connect Lungi, Port Loko, Makeni, Koidu City, Ferengbeya, Bumbuna, Kabala etc in the north. The 400km cable will also link communications in the Eastern and Southern part of the country. The official ceremony was held at Lungi on Thursday 9th April 2015, and was graced by traditional authorities, representatives of government, officials of Huawei Technology and the media. The ceremony was aimed at showcasing the fibre project that is been implemented by the Chinese Company, Huawei Technology. (Photo: Theo NIcol…Deputy Information Minister)
Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Information, Theo Nicol said the Ministry is pleased with the performance of the Chinese Company. He recalled the promise made by President Koroma during his presidential elections campaign that he will provide reliable, affordable and quality communications services. He said upon completion of the project, it will increase internet speed and other communications services. The Deputy Minister promised that the entire country will enjoy a fully fledged fibre operation by 2017.
Mr. Nicol further said this will reduce cost of internet services by half. For now he said, those with computers can connect to the fibre line upon its completion this month.
The Chief Technology Officer in the Ministry of Information and Fibre Project Coordinator said the project has several components, including survey, mobilization of human resources, civil works and blowing of cable through underground duck onto the station. James Kanja Cobba said the fibre cable is delicate and so therefore it requires maximum protection. When completed, he said the project will improve on Information Communication Technology (ICT) and will help those using internet services to have a smooth browsing across the country. Cobba said the project which started about a year ago will be commissioned on 27th April 2015, marking the country’s Independence Day.
Director of Communications in the Ministry of Information, Bakarr Tarawallie said one of government’s priorities is the provision of quality communication services to all. To this end, he said government launched two projects, Eco One and the Fibre. He said the Port Loko connection was not part of the initial project, but government has to rationalize the entire project plan in order top ensure that the entire country is connected.
Huawei Technology’s Delivery Technical Manager, Daniel Vidzah said they have two teams that are working on 9km a day. He promised that quality work will be done to meet the targeted date. He appreciated the Information and Communications Ministry’s role in ensuring that the project reaches the blowing stage.
The Chiefdom Speaker of Kaffu Bullom, Pa Komrabai Kamara said his people appreciated the fibre project, which they have been yearning for. He assured that they will provide the required security to ensure a smooth completion of the project.
By Fadda Bakish
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2015, https:. All rights reserved.
