Karongi community radio celebrates first anniversary

Thousands of jubilant residents in Karongi District, yesterday, joined local leaders and staff members in commemoration of the first anniversary of Isangano Radio, a local community radio station in the area.The station belongs to a group of Karongi residents organised under Isangano Association.Residents who spoke to The New Times said the radio station had greatly helped them in disseminating vital information especially that related to various government programmes.“The significance of certain government programmes is better understood by the community when we hold debates on such platforms,” observed Donat Bihutakuvuga, a resident of Rutsiro District.He pointed out that the radio had linked the population with the local leadership thereby promoting good governance in the district.During the commemoration, the radio station’s director, Jerome Rwasa, disclosed that close to 1,000 listeners within the area and some parts of neighbouring Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo were presently on board.Rwasa said plans are underway to attract more listeners.“We have already established a website and we intend to relocate to a bigger work station and acquire more sophisticated equipment to help us improve our work,” he said.Isangano Association President, Protais Nyamurinda, expressed regret over the recent theft of some radio equipment including a recorder and a number of computers.District mayor Bernard Kayumba urged the residents to fully utilise the services of the radio by sharing information on the status of service delivery within the local authorities.“As much as we use this opportunity to guide the population regarding various government programmes, they (residents) should in turn use the forum to inform us where service delivery is not good enough,” he said.

National

Karongi community radio celebrates first anniversary