East African Business Week

DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA - Airtel, one of Tanzania's biggest mobile telephony company, has launched an investment of US$150,000 network extension in Loliondo to enable the thousands of travelers seeking 'cure' from Samunge village in Ngorongoro District, Arusha, to communicate to and from that outpost.
The village has of recent become a point of attraction for both local and foreigners who go to look  for the 'miracle cure' for incurable diseases administered by Rev Ambilikile Mwaisapila (75), a retired priest of the Lutheran Church in northern Tanzania.
The remote village on the edge of the Serengeti National Park, did not have any modern telecommunication facilities until the 'discovery' of the 'miracle cure'.
The ' miracle cure' it is claimed heals all diseases including cancer, heart problems, blood pressure, HIV/AIDS, asthma, abdominal ailments and many more.
According to Airtel Tanzania, the rollout of the groundbreaking mobile
network to Loliondo will cost US$150,000 upon completion.
Commenting on the launch, the company's Managing Director, Mr Sam Elangalloor,  said Airtel was determined to provide both affordable
and quality services to the people of Samunge and travelers to the village while offering a superior consumer experience.
"Our presence in Samunge and other neighbouring villages will definitely create greater social interaction and more opportunities for economic development.
Connecting people of Loliondo at this time when demand for the service is extremely huge, reveals our endeavor for leadership on everything that we do", noted the director.In recent weeks an estimated influx of visitors reached 25,000 per day, but the Government intervened to cut fatalities to patients brought taken to the village in critical conditions. An estimated 80 people died at Samunge before reaching the cup.
Availability of Airtel network in villages in Loliondo will give an opportunity to the community to make and receive calls, send sms, use internet as well receive money via Airtel Money. Arusha Regional Commissioner, Isidore Shirima, appreciate the initiative  taken by Airtel to bring communication services to the Samunge and neighbouring communities.