Restore radio station

THE silent majority in Southern Highlands, those in rural areas, are calling on the Government to have the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) in Mendi fully functional.
The province is known for its rugged mountain terrains with poor road conditions where government services hardly reach certain areas.
But communication networks and broadcast stations such as NBC radio makes it possible to inform, educate and entertain the people.
NBC’s services were very handy since its inception in the 1970s through the shortwave band (SW1) frequency of 3275 kilowatts.
Government agencies, communities, churches and stakeholders relied on this radio service.
This service has been dormant for a long time and no longer reaching the people.
It’s shortwave and FM frequency equipment have deteriorated and not functioning well. This is a result of no proper maintenance work carried out and the lack of government funding to overhaul and replace equipment.
The old 10 kilowatt shortwave transmitter sits idle at the Kave transmitter site near Mendi Town.
The FM band 90.7 transmitter equipment were blown out allegedly by the frequent power fluctuation by PNG Power Ltd.
A standby generator is needed, however, it all comes down to adequate funding to afford one.
At the moment only the National Radio from the NBC headquarters in Port Moresby is relayed through the FM band but with limited coverage.
The FM band thus not reach the whole province.
NBC Mendi needs urgent funding for new equipment to get it up and running.
It needs to be ready when SHP hosts the PNG Games.
It needs funding from the provincial government, NBC, National Government and donors.
If there were any funds made available already by authorities, then there is nothing to show cause on the ground.
Something is wrong somewhere and authorities need to check and verify.

Concerned Mendi,
SHP