Online Reporter
Peter Matika [email protected]
THE commissioning of six new Frequency Modulation (FM) transmitters at Montrose Studios in Bulawayo yesterday has set the pace towards improved radio broadcasting coverage in Matabeleland region as the Government intensifies efforts to bridge information gap that had left some parts of the country without radio transmission for nearly 50 years.
The project, spearheaded by Transmedia Corporation (Pvt) Ltd, is part of the Second Republic’s drive to modernise broadcasting infrastructure, and will double the radius of radio coverage for Bulawayo and surrounding areas.
The move which will improve signal quality in the region, will be replicated nationwide in the coming months to ensure that communities across Zimbabwe have access to reliable information.
This marks a significant step towards Vision 2030 as it strengthens the country’s broadcasting capacity by extending radio coverage to previously underserved areas while replacing ageing transmission infrastructure installed decades ago.
Speaking at an appreciation exercise at Montrose Studios, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana said the project will significantly improve radio broadcasting coverage and signal quality in Bulawayo and surrounding areas.
He said the modernisation programme was also designed to address longstanding disparities in access to information, particularly in communities that had never benefited from radio transmission services.
“This morning I witnessed the commissioning of six new FM transmitters at Montrose Studios in Bulawayo. The new transmitters were acquired by Transmedia as part of its infrastructure upgrade project and will double the radius of radio coverage for Bulawayo and surrounding areas,” said Mr Mangwana.
“The project is set to be replicated nationwide in the coming months, ensuring improved coverage in all areas. We have switched off the old equipment, which was installed in 1976, and the Second Republic is on a drive to modernise the equipment.”
Mr Mangwana said the equipment being replaced will not be discarded but will be redeployed to areas that have historically experienced limited or no radio broadcasting coverage.
“The old equipment will be installed in areas such as Gokwe, which has never had radio transmission, Mt Darwin, Rushinga and Chivhu,” he said.
Mr Mangwana said the redeployment of the equipment is expected to expand the reach of radio broadcasting and provide communities in the identified areas with improved access to news, educational programming, public information and other broadcasting services.
He said the Government’s modernisation drive was anchored on the need to ensure that no community was excluded from accessing information because of geographical location or inadequate broadcasting infrastructure.
Mr Mangwana said the new equipment will help bridge the information gap in line with President Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no place and no person behind.
He said the commissioning also highlights the importance of continued investment in broadcasting infrastructure as Zimbabwe seeks to expand access to information and strengthen communication between Government and communities.
Mr Mangwana said the deployment of the old equipment to Gokwe, Mt Darwin, Rushinga and Chivhu demonstrates the Government’s approach of extending the lifespan of existing infrastructure while prioritising modern equipment in areas where broadcasting facilities are already established.
He said for communities that have gone for decades without radio transmission, the expansion of coverage will provide access to information that is essential for social and economic development.
“Radio remains an important platform for disseminating public health messages, educational content, agricultural information, national developments and emergency communication, particularly in areas where access to other forms of media may be limited,” said Mr Mangwana.
He said the commissioning of the new transmitters, therefore, represents more than an infrastructure upgrade, with the Government positioning the project as part of its broader commitment to ensuring equitable access to information.
Mr Mangwana said the modernisation programme will continue supporting the national objective of ensuring that broadcasting services reach all corners of the country.
He said the project is expected to remain central to the implementation of further transmission infrastructure upgrades as authorities work towards improving the quality and reach of Zimbabwe’s broadcasting services.
The project comes against the background of longstanding challenges affecting radio coverage in some parts of Zimbabwe, where communities have had limited access to broadcasting services because of inadequate infrastructure and the age of existing transmission equipment.
The installation of modern FM transmitters at Montrose Studios is expected to strengthen the reliability of broadcasting services in Bulawayo, while improving the quality of signals received by listeners in the city and surrounding areas.
Transmedia, which is responsible for the country’s broadcasting transmission infrastructure, has been working to modernise transmission systems and improve the delivery of broadcasting services.
Transmedia chief executive officer, Engineer Adonia Mushosho said the refurbishment will address challenges in signal distribution and coverage across the country.
“This challenge was mainly caused by outdated equipment but now with the new equipment, transmission radius in Bulawayo has doubled from 40 to 80 kilometres,” said Eng Mushosho.
