Speech by Honourable Kelvin Sampa at the launch of the DTT transmitter in Kasama
Monday January 8, 2018 – Kasama Lodge

All Government Workers Present
All Party Officials
Cliff SICHONE – TopStar Director (Sales)
Media
Ladies and Gentlemen
All invited Guests

May l simply say, All Protocols Observed!

It is with great pleasure that I stand here to officiate the launch of the Kasama Transmitter that marks the beginning of the connection of my constituency to the life and future of broadcasting.

The Zambian government, and more importantly the Patriotic Front Government has made good on its promise to leave no one behind when it comes to development.

Under the able leadership of President Lungu – Zambia continues to make great progress in ensuring that development is evenly spread across the country with the construction of communications towers as one area of the ways of ensuring people are in touch with one another, as well as a way of efficiently conducting business and of governing the country.

The Smart Zambia plan will see local governments controlling their own plans, spending and reporting to allow for real development to be delivered where it is needed most.

As indicated above, Information sharing in an electronic age is key to fighting hunger, poor health and poverty.

TopStar, as a joint venture between the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) and StarTimes of China, is evidence that Zambia is an ideal investment destination.

I am reliably informed that TopStar has successfully implemented the digital migration project that is expected to see over TWO MILLION households connected to digital TV in Zambia.

I am furthertold that currently there are 18 Zambian TV stations on the TopStar platform – this is a major milestone and we look forward to more joining the platform. As this will expose our people to new technologies and create more jobs for our people.

TopStar and the government through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Service – is not only bringing technology closer to the people but also creating opportunities for business and employment.

I am well aware that the National Digital Migration project will also see the construction of a Provincial TV station here in Kasama. This follows the rehabilitation of ZNBC studios in Lusaka and Kitwe that have recently taken place.

TV acts as a source of information, education and entertainment.

I am very elated to see this happening today and l look forward to seeing more developmental projects in Kasama receiving much needed publicity and hoping that we are attracting more tourists and more investors to come and visit our numerous sites across the province. We promised development and development you should see in Kasama and beyond.

I wish to call on Kasama residents to access the affordable DTT TopStar decoders and begin to benefit from digital migration as we launch the Provincial Digital Terrestrial Transmitter.

I thank you! And may the almighty God continue blessing you all.