The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Friday provided 40 solar panels to 97.5 FM radio station in Torit State.
The unveiling was done by UNMISS working in collaboration with the state government and Moon Light Development Organization under the Quick Impact Project.
Speaking during the launch, the deputy state governor, Margret Itto Leonardo lauded donor agencies for supporting information flow.
She said the solar system will enhance development if properly used.
“The radio, as we talk, is not covering all our counties. It ends somewhere, but with this support, I believe all our counties will be reached with very useful information and this will also contribute to useful information and that is why it is a huge success to us,” said Itto.
“We all know that radio or media is a very powerful instrument to development if we handle it well,” she added.
Caroline Waudo, head of UNMISS field office in Torit, said installing the solar power system will enhance promotion of peace and unity.
“Provision and installation of solar power system at 97.5 FM Torit radio will be addressing the immediate need of the population, which is access to information such as on the revitalized agreement, to be disseminated widely in Torit state through the radio,” said Waudo.
She further added, “It is also in our hope that once the project is completed, the radio will not be used for any hate speech, but rather as a tool for conflict mitigation and for promoting peaceful coexistence, hence to do no harm to the population”.
Idwa Okuye, the state minister for information, said she expects accuracy in all the information passed through the radio.
“The information we want everybody to listen to must be authentic and not tarnishing information because sometimes, we literally take it that this facility can be used for anything,” said Idwa.
“I beg you all of us who will be the consumers that if you have information to be passed, it must be authentic information that will benefit citizens of South Sudan, state and communities,” she added.
According to the minister, although the radio will be used at no cost, some contributions are expected to be made for maintenance.
Owned by the state government, the station’s power problem began when Gemtel, the telecommunications company that supplied it with power halted its operation in the region in 2015.