The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
CONSTRUCTION works for community radio stations that recently received broadcasting equipment is progressing well as Government moves towards improving access to information to its citizens, a Cabinet Minister has said.
In her keynote address during her ministry’s strategic review workshop in Nyanga on Wednesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa confirmed the progress in the construction, and refurbishment of facilities that will house the community radio stations.
“I am happy that the community has secured a building to house the studio equipment, and civil works are underway for Nyangani FM Community Radio Station.
UNESCO donated studio equipment which the corporation is set to install.
“In addition, Transmedia will provide technical support and training. For the Ndau Community Radio Station in Garahwa, a tower has been identified, and a tender is currently running for the tower foundation civil works. Construction of the studio building is underway.
“Transmedia has completed most of the civil works on site for Awucheni FM in Chiredzi. Transmedia is going to install the equipment as my ministry prepares for the official launch soon.
“Transmedia is ready to install the equipment once the studio refurbishment is completed for Chimanimani FM Community Radio Station,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa urged the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe to chip in with assistance towards training of personnel. “I now challenge BAZ to make sure that these communities are capacitated through training so that they come up with quality informative programmes which are relevant to the communities. As the ministry, we will continue to support these community radio stations with resources, thereby ensuring that they broadcast for the development of communities,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
She said Government was eager to finalise the digitalisation programme to ensure improved access to information for citizens.
“The ministry will continue to plead with Treasury for funding of the digitalisation project to ensure that Zimbabweans enjoy the fruits of digitalisation. The availability of set top boxes remains a serious challenge for the uptake of digital services.
“I encourage the business community to explore this opportunity to supply the set top boxes to millions of Zimbabweans who would want to enjoy these upcoming television stations,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa stressed Government’s commitment to ensuring diversity of information for members of the public as evidenced by the licensing of six television stations set to air by December 2022 through the digital platform.
“My ministry continues to make strides in making sure that there is universal access to broadcasting services in view of Government’s policy of opening up the airwaves.
“Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has managed to license six new television stations that are expected to be on air by December 2022. This will certainly give diversity of information to the members of the public,” she said.
In his closing remarks during the same function, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister, Cde Kindness Paradza exhorted officials in the ministry to do away with tendencies that promote bureaucracy.
“Gone are the days of unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy, and our ministry should not be associated with such. The world we live in today, and emerging new threats such as disinformation, and atrocity propaganda on social media requires us to be proactive, and strategic in the execution of our mandate. I cannot emphasise enough the need to ensure that we meet our target of the 100-Day projects. These projects are not the minister’s or mine. We each have a role to play to bring them to fruition on time,” he said.
The workshop was attended by representatives from the ministry, Zimpapers and parastatals.
