GICUMBI – Plans are under way to open a community radio in Gicumbi district, authorities announced on Monday.
The Gicumbi FM Community Radio is expected to open by April 2010 and will be sponsored by USAID through International Research and Exchange Board (IREX), an organization currently implementing a two-year media strengthening program in Rwanda.

Speaking at a consultative meeting, Anastase Rwabuneza from IREX, said the radio will focus on broadcasting educative programs meant to uplift socio-economic standards of residents.

"The radio will help agriculture and livestock farmers share vital information regarding their products free of charge. It will also act as a quick medium of communication between district authorities and residents, in order to accelerate development in the entire district,” said Rwabuneza.

He added that IREX- Rwanda will offer training and foot salaries of journalists for a period yet to be determined.

Gicumbi mayor Bonane Nyangezi, hailed IREX’s media strengthening project, saying it was long overdue.
"This radio belongs to all residents, which is why district authorities have already secured a building to accommodate the radio.”

He called on farmers’ cooperative societies, education institutions, religious and local leaders to support the radio in order to achieve development in the district.

Ends