The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) is ready to extend its broadcasting services to Otjipaheua once the planned communication tower is erected, as the national broadcaster looks to reach more communities in rural areas.
During a recent visit to the community, the national broadcaster's Director General, Menesia Muinjo, engaged various community members on their need for improved broadcasting coverage.
Muinjo explained that the engagement provided an opportunity to understand the community's challenges in accessing NBC's content, while the government has committed funding for a communications tower through PowerCom.
“It was a great opportunity for us to assess the situation and hear from the community that they want to listen to our content but lack the means to do so because we do not have a broadcasting signal in the area. It was therefore very encouraging to hear our Deputy Minister of MICT confirm that the government has availed funds for us to set up a broadcasting tower through PowerCom.”
In the meantime, NBC is exploring temporary measures to ensure that developments and issues affecting the community continue to receive coverage.
"We have also agreed that our producers will visit the area regularly. We still need to determine whether these visits will take place once a month, every second month, or every third month. The aim is to assess ongoing activities, developmental issues, and major news developments, such as those raised by various stakeholders during our engagement.”
!Ah Radio regional manager in Tsumkwe, Katrina Soroas, said residents also have specific radio stations they would like to listen to.
"When it comes to radio, I want it !Ah Radio, Omurari FM, and Tirelo ya Setswana (TYS) FM to be broadcasted here because people here are interested in listening to those stations, and in the future I would like all 11 radio stations to be broadcasted in Otjipaheua.”
While the community awaits the planned communication tower, NBC said it is exploring ways to keep residents informed, as efforts continue to extend broadcasting services to rural areas.