Airtel corporate social responsibility manager, Hawa Bayumi
Residents of Kigwang’oko Village in Ulyankulu
District have commended Airtel for the construction of a communication
tower that has allowed them access to quality and reliable telecom
services.
According to the District Chairman John Kadutu, prior to
construction of the tower, the residents had no communication services
whatsoever a fact that hindered development of the village.
Speaking at the launching of the tower late last week, the District
Chairman urged residents to utilise the services to improve their
economic activities.
“You should use this tower to develop yourselves, because you now
have communication and mobile financial services that will enable you to
pay bills and transfer money securely,” Kadutu said.
Interviewed, the residents said before the tower was built, they struggled to get any means of communication.
“We express our deepest and greatest gratitude towards Airtel...by
bringing the tower here to the village, Airtel has proven its commitment
to provide quality communication services to rural areas”, said Juma
Magema a resident of Kigwang’oko.
“Before Airtel built this tower, we had to climb trees and anthills
to get phone networks with our friends and relatives...we are happy for
today we are assured of reliable communication,” he said.
Earlier, Airtel Tabora Regional Manager, Fidelis Lugakingira, said
the tower is meant to improve economic activities for the villagers as
well as their social development through reliable communication and
mobile financial services.
“The launching of this tower in Kigwang’oko Village is a
continuation of our commitment to connect every Tanzania with reliable,
quality and affordable communication services,” said Lugakingira.
The tower launch in Kigwang’oko Village follows a similar launch in
Ikugi District, Singida Region and Nduruma Village in Arumeru District,
Arusha.
In a related development, Airtel Tanzania has also empowered a small scale vegetable farmer with modern farming equipment.
The beneficiary, one Innocent Kipondya is a resident of Mabanda
village, in Mwanza Region. After having completed his O level secondary
school education in 2011, he was not able to continue with his studies
and he opted to embark on commercial farming.
Speaking during the handover of the farming equipment, Airtel
corporate social responsibility manager, Hawa Bayumi, said the donated
equipment will help improve the farmer’s business.
“Airtel, through its Airtel Fursa campaign, has seen the importance
of empowering him, so that he can advance his business and increase the
value of his products and selling them at a good price,” he said.
“I thank Airtel very much, the donation has completely transformed my life and my family as well,” said the recipient.
“Lack of proper equipment is one of the factors affecting farmers
in villages,” he noted “...in addition to inadequate tools, some rural
farmers do not follow modern farming procedures, with the knowledge I
received from Airtel I believe I can improve my business and in the long
run have a great business here in the country and even abroad,” said
the vegetable farmer.