Free Public Wi-Fi, up for public use

By Aubrey Kalumpha

Information minister, Gospel Kazako led other officials in launching the Free Public Wi-Fi, program which is a World Bank funded program that will se people use internet service in selected public spaces.

On behalf of government, Public Private Partnership Commission-PPPC is implementing the initiative in various public places across the country.

The official launch ceremony took place at Blantyre Secondary School.

According to Patrick, Kabambe Chief Executive Officer for PPPC, the initiative is aimed at increasing access to digital facilities in Malawi.

Kabambe said so far PPPC has installed free Wi-Fi in 32 different public places which include; schools, hospitals, markets and airports.

In his remarks, Peter Kadzitche, Chief Finance Officer for TNM, the service provider in the initiative, before donating five computers to Blantyre Secondary School, said the free Wi-Fi initiative will go a long way in improving Digitalization in the country.

On his part, Wild Ndipo, Mayor for Blantyre City, said the Free Internet Service is a clear road map to achieving some of the agendas in the country’s 2063 developmental blue print.

Appreciating the development, a form four student at Blantyre Secondary School, Chisomo Paul said the Free Wi-Fi is a doorway to a wide range of learning materials internet has to offer.

For instance, Chisomo said currently the school has an Online Library dubbed Racheal Plus lesson Planner and Content Storage which learners are using to get access to books and others learning materials like past national and international examination papers, all courtesy of the Wi-Fi.

In his remarks, Kazako said government is excited to bring digital facilities closer to the people, saying the free Wi-Fi will enable easy communication among individuals.

He added that, Malawi can not develop if its people do not embrace new technologies.