Namibia’s Cabinet has directed the Environment Ministry to carry out an environmental assessment of 5G technology before its implementation in the country.
5G technology, which is also known as the fifth-generation cellular network, is enhanced to improve browsing and downloading speed. But its use in Africa and the world over is shrouded in myths and misconceptions including that it may have health hazards to its users.
“Cabinet directed the Ministry of Environment to ensure that a Strategic Environmental Assessment is undertaken,” said Information minister Peya Mushelenga in a statement seen by Biztech Africa.“(Also) that proper assessment is made, prior to the possible introduction of 5G technology in Namibia.”
Mushelenga said the cabinet directed the Information Ministry to instruct the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia to expedite the development of 5G strategy for Namibia for submission to Cabinet.
Mushelenga told Biztech Africa that the directive was a standard procedure and was not specific to 5G technology. The Windhoek municipality is yet to upgrade its network to facilitate the implementation of 5G technology in a deal suspected to be involving Huawei, the Chinese multinational telecommunications company.
Some countries on the African continent including South Africa, Lesotho and Madagascar have already rolled out 5G technology with companies such as Huawei, Chinese tech giant ZTE and European based telecommunications guru Ericsson.
