The Unity State-owned Bentiu Radio 99.0 FM came back on air after nearly a year on Tuesday with a reopening ceremony graced by Governor Riek Bim.
Speaking at the function, the governor said the revamped station will play a key role in promoting peace and raising awareness on critical issues, including health, education, hygiene, agriculture, and environmental protection.
For his part, Unity State Information Minister Engineer Gatwech Bipal Both said the state government funded the revamping of the radio, which covers 115 kilometers.
“The radio will help the state government to conduct peace awareness among the communities across the state and also to reduce the criminal activities because they will be reported instantly,” he said. “The radio reaches 115 kilometers away from Bentiu Town, will work 24 hours a day, and will be connected to South Sudan Broadcasting Cooperation (SSBC) television and radio.”
Meanwhile, Joseph Lony, a Bentiu resident, confirmed that the station is back on air and expressed gratitude.
“The radio is very important because the community gets local news through it without delays,” he stated.
Nyawuor Kueth, a resident of Guit County, lauded the state government for ensuring the radio resumed operations.
“The resumption of broadcasts by Bentiu Radio is very good and everyone is happy because we should get information from our radio instead of listening to other stations,” she said. “Now we have our own radio like before, and peace messages should be passing through the station.”
The reopening of the radio station is a welcome development for the people of Unity State because it will bridge the information gap and provide a platform for local voices.