Government says it is committed to ensure that people have equal access to information for them to make informed decisions and participate fully in national development.
Information and media Permanent Secretary, Kennedy Kalunga says it is government’s desire and determination to ensure that all citizens regardless of where they live, have access to information through various platforms to make informed decisions on matters pertaining to national development.
Mr. Kalunga said this is when he commissioned the first site of the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC’s) frequency modulation (FM) broadcasting signal of radio One and Two transmitters in Kalomo on Friday.
‘’ Kalomo is the first site to be commissioned under phase Two of the rural FM project in 25 sites. This is a clear indication of governments’ desire and determination to ensure equal access to information for its citizens.
” It is also in line with governments’ vision and mission to empower people with information so that they participate effectively in national development,’’ Mr, Kalunga observes.
The minister who earlier paid a courtesy call on Kalomo district commissioner, Joshua Sikaduli says government intends to unlock the information flow gap by establishing several platforms where citizens can have access to information on what government is doing.
Government through the independent broadcasting authority, has established 147 radio stations and 52 television stations in an effort to attain universal access to information for all across the country.
The introduction of the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) television which is in its test ran is such a platform towards its quest to bridge the information gap.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kalunga urges the media fraternity to be professional and ethical in the course of their duties. He said this when he visited the local media outlets, Zanis, Voice of Kalomo and Namwianga radio stations.
And ZNBC board chairperson Bright Nkaka has commended government for making the radio One and Two rural FM transmission be a reality for the rural populace.
In May this year, Information and media minister, Chushi Kasanda launched the commencement of K7.2 million ZNBC FM rural transmitters installation project.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by chief Chikanta and Sipatunyana of Kalomo and other civic leaders who applauded government for connecting the district to the national broadcaster for the first time since independence.