MTC Namibia, the leading GSM operator in Namibia recently reported losses in excess of N$600 000 with the theft of 51 solar panels in the Caprivi region.  These losses were incurred between the 19th of December 2006 and January 17th under less than a month.
During December 2006 Omega and Saccinga were affected when a total of 25 panels were stolen from the two sites at a loss of N$300 000.  These sites do not perform optimally due to this, and fails for about 1 to 2 hours a day.  When Saccinga failed, it also affected Sibbinda, Shinchimane, Mbanga and Sangwali.
Last week’s loss of another 26 panels at Kongola at an estimated cost of N$ 300 000 also serves as a major setback for the company’s roll out important services to the rural communities of Namibia.
MTC calls on the communities and local leadership to form a partnership with us in order to safeguard assets that belong to the local community.  Theft results in service disruptions, losses of revenue to MTC and local businesses that rely on these critical telecommunications services.
Estimated time for replacement of the lost equipment would be 3-4 weeks.