By postcourieronline
Copyright postcourier
PNG Sustainable Development Program Limited (SDP) and the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Agreement to restore radio transmission across Western Province.
The partnership will see SDP fund the restoration of NBC’s radio equipment in Daru and extend transmission to other parts of South and Delta Fly using SDP’s relay towers.
This initiative totals K1.8 million and aims to re-establish FM radio services in the province, delivering vital public information to remote communities, a service that ceased in 2016.
The project supports SDP’s Gutpela Community Strategy, which focuses on empowering communities through access to reliable information and communication services.
SDP will utilize free airtime to transmit public benefit content on education, health and livelihood initiatives and programs.
Under the agreement, NBC will provide engineering support with installation of equipment on SDP towers. This equipment will be fully owned by NBC once total project cost is repaid through allocated radio airtime to SDP.
NBC Managing Director Mr. Kora Nou and SDP CEO Ms. Lesieli Taviri jointly endorsed the agreement, highlighting its significance in bridging the digital divide and strengthening community engagement in Western Province.
“SDP’s priorities in Health, Education and Livelihoods all have a communication element which will be supported with this partnership once radio service is reestablished in Western Province. This investment by SDP also complements a priority of the Provincial Government of ensuring communication to the entire Province. This partnership marks a major step forward in revitalizing public broadcasting in Western Province, ensuring that every community is informed” said Ms Lesieli Taviri.
Meanwhile, NBC Managing Director, Mr Kora Nou has commended SDP for partnering with the national broadcaster to restore broadcasting services for the people of Western Province
. “Through this tower-sharing arrangement, we can quickly re-establish and extend our radio coverage throughout the province. “
This further complements NBC’s current plans to install a 10-kilowatt medium wave (MW) radio transmitter in Kiunga, as well as introduce digital television for this important border Province,” Mr Nou said.
