|
Submarine cable to cost $230m
2005-09-03 07:43:34
By Joyce Mkinga
The construction of submarine cable system to connect Southern and Northern Africa starts next year at a cost of USD 230 million.
The project that aims at boosting Africa’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) involves 900 kilometres of optical fibre cable that passes under the Indian Ocean.
The East Africa Submarine Cable System Co-ordinator, John Sihra, told reporters in Dar es Salaam yesterday that studies had been completed and a survey report had been produced. The system is expected to be operational by June 2007.
He also briefed journalists on what transpired in the Regional Submarine Conference recently held in Dar es Salaam.
He said the construction of the system was a very complex issue because it involved digging up to two kilometres deeper into international water to protect the cables.
Sihra, who is also the Director of ZANTEL, said the system would not only improve ICT but also tele-media and education in 17 countries involved in the project.
Western Africa countries have been connected to the optical fibres, he said, adding that the main objective was to bridge the gap of communication, which exist in the rest of the African countries so that they can converse regionally.
’Most of these countries have been depending on satellite to facilitate communication which is very expensive compared to the cable system,’ he said.
Speaking in the same meeting, the East Africa Submarine System Chief Operation Officer, Eng John Mosonik, said optical fibre system has a lot of services which would enhance economic development in the region.
’The cable system would provide for high capacity and quality services to all,’ he said.
Mosonik, who is also the Telkom Kenya Deputy Director, said the project would also link landlocked countries with the system enabling them to also enjoy the services.
|
