Unity FM 100.8, a community radio station in Lainya County, Central Equatoria State, has been off the air for almost a year. The station previously broadcast programmes on health, education, civic issues, and local developments, serving as a vital source of information for residents. Its absence has left a significant gap in the area, where many people have limited access to mobile phones, newspapers, and reliable internet.
The impact of Unity FM's silence is being felt by residents, who are now forced to rely on stations broadcasting from neighbouring areas such as Yei, Morobo, and Kajo-Keji. However, these stations often lack information about events specific to Lainya. Paramount Chief of Lainya County, Mathew Lumori, expressed concern about the situation, stating that the radio had been widely used for public awareness and civic education.
Lumori appealed for support to help restore the station to the air. He noted that it had been almost nine months since the radio went off the air, and the community was in dire need of a local source of information. The absence of Unity FM has made it challenging for residents to access information about local events, developments, and issues affecting their community.
The shutdown has also affected local organisations, including women's associations. Marcelina Dudu, a member of a local women's association, stated that the radio had been instrumental in disseminating information about community activities. Without it, communication has become more difficult.
According to Unity FM station manager, Clement Cygan, the station was forced off the air due to a lack of funding and technical problems. The station initially experienced a fault with its sound card and is now dealing with a problem affecting its inverter.
Cygan revealed that the station is currently lobbying for funds to repair the equipment, but is facing significant challenges. Julius Luate, chairperson of the station's board of directors, appealed to individuals and organisations to provide assistance in repairing the equipment and restoring broadcasting.
Community radio stations like Unity FM play a vital role in providing information to communities in parts of South Sudan where access to the internet and other media remains limited. The restoration of Unity FM would help bridge the information gap in Lainya County and provide residents with a valuable source of local news and public information.
Key points
- The absence of Unity FM has created an information gap in Lainya County, where many residents have limited access to mobile phones, newspapers, and reliable internet.
- The station's shutdown has affected local organisations, including women's associations, which relied on the radio to disseminate information about community activities.
- The restoration of Unity FM would help provide residents with a valuable source of local news and public information, bridging the information gap in the area.
