network solutions shall comply with the Environmental Impact Assessment requirement. 9.3 Build, Operate and Maintain Implementation of the telecommunications networks involves many phases such as network design, build, operate and maintenance. Problems encountered in the deployment of networks tend to cascade from one phase to another because there are dependencies spanning from the design to maintenance phases. It is therefore recommended that one service provider shall be responsible for building, operating and maintaining the infrastructure in each identified rural licensing area. This will ensure that there is a single organisation ultimately responsible for all issues, regardless of where they originate. Having one point of responsibility is critical to ensure the service provider is accountable for the ultimate quality of the service delivery. Combining the three responsibilities reduces the turn around time for the development of knowledge and capacity required for implementation, operations and maintenance of the network. It is difficult for an organisation to operate a network they were not involved in during the building phase as there are left over issues that are typically not easy to resolve and the level of knowledge is usually not adequate. It can further jeopardize the opportunity for successful implementation of the rural program. That is why it is advocated for one operator to build, operate and maintain. 9.4 Botswana Registered Companies In line with the current directives and future government citizen empowerment policies, every opportunity must be given to encourage the use of local resources in the implementation of the rural program. Botswana registered and citizen owned companies shall be given preference to the maximum extent possible consistent with the safety, efficiency and economics of the network operations. The employment and provision of training opportunities for Batswana shall be recognized and given priority in the selection of the potential service provider. 9.5 Ownership In the event that the government contribute towards funding to build the networks in the rural areas, the government shall co-own the assets involved. Government ownership also ensures that, if necessary, the operator can be replaced with the least amount of impact. Rural Telecommunications Strategy 26 October 2006 23