Chongwe radio appeals for support
By JOHN KOMBE CHONGWE Community Radio manager Pennias Tembo has appealed for support if the station is to attain its goal of becoming a channel for information and partner in development.
Mr. Tembo said all well-meaning citizens should come on board and support the community radio which was a means of transmitting and preserving the Soli cultural heritage even as it engages the public on matters of development in all spheres.
He told the Daily Nation that the radio station which was established in 2014 had undergone rebranding and made strides in being a platform for community interaction since its existence.
Mr Tembo explained that the idea of establishing a radio station in the district started in the nineties (90s), but could not take off due to various challenges.
He thanked the founders who fought hard to see that the station was duly permitted by the Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) and licensed by the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) leading to its actualisation.
He informed the Daily Nation that the radio station was licensed to operate in Chongwe, Rufunsa, Lusaka districts and surrounding areas.
He however noted that the signal strength was not as strong and management was working on upgrading the system to reach a wider coverage area. He said Rufunsa residents should not feel left out as this was their baby. He urged them to be patient as the station engaged ZICTA and IBA on this matter.
Mr Tembo noted that the community radio station was key in creating a platform for the community to engage the policy makers in matters of concern and development.
He explained that the main objective of the station was to inform, educate and entertain the public so as to allow the citizens and authorities make informed decisions in matters of development.
He observed that the radio station was an institution which was there to allow the voiceless to be heard. “Even those who are afraid to face the leaders face to face had an opportunity to speak through this media,” he said.
He also thanked the business houses who had shown interest in the radio station by supporting its undertakings. He pointed out that institutions such as the Police Service and the District Health Office were using the station as a means of sensitising the community on security and health matters respectively. He thus called upon all stakeholders in social, cultural and economic development to support the radio station.
He said workers at the radio station were volunteers who had dedicated themselves to community service for all. He also explained that the station’s growth was being hampered by financial constraints.
He observed that the traditional leadership was very supportive of the community radio and this was evidenced by the freedom of broadcasting which the station enjoyed. To this effect the radio station was even allowed to broadcast in both the local language and English so as to be inclusive.
He noted that the station had scored many success which included: improved community involvement and interest in matters of development, creating a platform for the community to interact and engage the local leaders on matters of common interest.
He was however saddened that the youth had not fully taken advantage of this platform to air their views, interact and engage the powers that be on matters of interest to the young population. He challenged the youth to take advantage of the available channel to air their views and participate in the development of the Soli-land.