Authorities in Upper Nile state on Friday launched the reconstruction of facilities for the government-owned radio station in Malakal, aiming to restore state broadcasting services disrupted during years of conflict.
The reconstruction project is being implemented by UNESCO in partnership with the government of South Sudan with funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Waray Henry, the engineer overseeing the project, told Radio Tamazuj that contractor J&S Company expects to complete the work and hand over the rehabilitated facilities by September despite logistical challenges transporting construction materials to and from Malakal.
The launch ceremony was attended by Acting Governor Deng Akuei Kak, the state ministers for information and communications and finance and economic planning, and the acting station manager of South Sudan Radio in Upper Nile, Johnson Amum Alan.
Amum welcomed the start of the project and thanked the state government and development partners for supporting the reconstruction.
“On behalf of the South Sudan Radio team, we thank the state government for supporting the implementation of this project,” he said. “We also appreciate the support of our partners, particularly JICA and UNESCO, whose contributions have made the rehabilitation of this state media institution possible.”
He said the restored station would help provide public information and civic education, including voter awareness, as South Sudan prepares for elections scheduled for December.
Residents of Malakal said restoring the radio station would improve access to public information and contribute to peacebuilding.
“We appreciate the efforts of the government, JICA and UNESCO to revive the state radio station,” resident Ninkal Ochol said. “The station will play a vital role in promoting peace and social cohesion, especially as the country prepares for elections.”
Another resident, Ayul Deng, said radio remains one of the most accessible sources of information for many communities.
“Rehabilitating the radio station is crucial for reconnecting the government with the public and ensuring people have access to public information, especially those who cannot access the internet,” Deng said.
The Upper Nile state radio station was one of the state’s main public broadcasters before its facilities were damaged during years of conflict that destroyed much of South Sudan’s infrastructure and disrupted broadcasting services across the state.
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