USAID launches radio repeater station in E. Equatoria state
April 11, 2015 (TORIT) – The United States aid arm (USAID), Internews, and Zain Telecommunications Company last week launched an Eye Radio repeater station in South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria state capital, Torit.
Radio is regarded the primary source of information for most people of South Sudan yet access to radio is challenging in many areas, particularly rural communities. Radio access has also deteriorated because of the ongoing conflict, which has displaced millions of people from their homes.
Since 2003, USAID has supported the development of independent media in South Sudan. The new repeater will reportedly increase Eye Radio’s audience by approximately 100,000 listeners in Eastern Equatoria state.
“The Eye Radio expansion, which has been made possible by the partnership with Zain Telecommunications Company, will ultimately enable expansion of Eye Radio to all the RSS states,” USAID said in a statement.
“The pilot repeater station in Torit will be followed by other repeater stations in Wau, Rumbek, Kwajok, Aweil, Bor and Yambio, to reach as many as 750,000 listeners, in addition to Eye Radio’s existing audience in Central Equatoria state,” it added.
Teresa McGhie, USAID mission director said the newly launched repeater station will improve access to information for the people of South Sudan.
“Our main goal is to empower and strengthen free and independent media in the Republic of South Sudan in a way that is self-sustaining. By doing so, we will improve access to information for the people of South Sudan, to help them become better informed citizens of their nation,” said McGhie.
Under this program USAID has reportedly supported the provision of lifesaving and life-enhancing information to people displaced by the conflict in the Lakes state, as well as protection of civilian sites at United Nations compounds in Juba and other areas.
(ST)