By editor
Meanwhile, Kasempa Constituency Member of Parliament, Kabinga Pande has
strongly advised management at the Community Radio station not to allow
people to use the station for political mileage. The new community radio
station, ...
<http://www.zambianwatchdog.com/?p=2777>
The construction of the long awaited first ever Kasempa Community Radio
station has been completed and would soon obtain a test transmission
license from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Meanwhile, Kasempa Constituency Member of Parliament, Kabinga Pande has
strongly advised management at the Community Radio station not to allow
people to use the station for political mileage.
The new community radio station, whose construction started last year with
full funding from PANOS, is using unique hi-tech equipment in Zambia.
Station Manager, Musonda Mukanu, revealed that the state of the art
equipment was installed by Globe Com of South Africa, saying the station
has embarked on putting up programmes in readiness for the test
transmissions soon.
This came to light when Mr. Pande, who is also Foreign Affairs Minister,
toured the community radio station yesterday.
Mr. Mukanu told Mr. Pande that the community radio station will focus on
developmental programmes and assured him that management will not allow
any one to use it for cheap politicking.
A visibly happy Station Manager said so far 16 volunteers, who underwent
training through PANOS, have been practicing their skills while awaiting a
license.
"Most of the volunteers are school leavers while some are in employment.
We however demand commitment from those in employment so that transmission
work does not suffer," he explained.
And speaking after touring the station, Mr. Pande described the completion
of construction and installation of equipment at the community radio
station as a landmark achievement for Kasempa district.
He also advised management to listen to reactions from the community on
the choice of programmes, saying the community radio station should
satisfy the needs of the community.
"We do not want to be in trouble from government. Kasempa Community radio
station should be an example of a well used community radio station in the
country. It should unite the district and constructively build the nation
through developmental programmes" he advised.
Mr. Pande said the role of government is to ensure that the community
radio station succeeds, adding that this is the only way it will help
spread information in a rural area like Kasempa.
He advised workers at the station to use the equipment with caution and
care because it too expensive to be damaged through carelessness.
On the license, Mr. Pande advised management to write and invite the
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to come and inspect the installed
equipment as soon as possible before getting a licence to start
broadcasting.
