MTC Namibia, the leading GSM operator in Namibia recently reported losses in excess of N$520 000 from the theft of its solar panels in the coastal area of Namibia.  These losses were incurred during the week of 23rd of July 2007.
Trigbaken:
1. 59 Solar panels were stolen and only 25 of the original 84 panels were left on site. The total cost of replacement of the panels is N$ 345 000
2. The panels are installed about 20 km outside Usakos, en-route to Swakopmund, close to the gravel road turn-off to Uis.
3.This station provides road coverage between Usakos and Swakopmund and is also a backbone site to the coastal area of Namibia.
Zeebrapan:
1. 23 panels were stolen out of a total of 38. The total cost to replace the stolen panels is N$ 180 000.
2. We know of 8 panels that were found close to the Angolan border.
3. About 90 KM from Gamsberg providing coverage mainly on to tourist traveling the C14 route from Windhoek to Walvisbay through the Namib Naukluft Park.
Theft results in service disruptions, losses of revenue to MTC and local businesses that rely on these critical telecommunications services. 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.
Estimated time for replacement of the lost equipment would be 2 weeks.