Over 7200 residents in some parts of Nkhata-Bay have been deprived of local radio stations for decades, raising concerns about limited access to news and information in the area. Communities in Thotho, Mangw’ina, Musinjiyiwi, Chisangawe, Masasa, Chitundu, and Sanji under Sub T/A Khoza in Nkhata-Bay district have expressed frustration over the absence of radio signals in their areas.
One resident, Mr. Yotamu Mhone, who has lived in Thotho Chisangawe for 60 years, lamented that he has never been able to listen to a Malawian radio station, relying instead on Tanzanian radio broadcasts. We ask the government, through the communications regulatory body MACRA, to provide signals for both radio stations and mobile networks so that we can start listening to local radios, urged Mhone.
Teachers and health workers in these areas also highlighted the difficulties they face without access to radio signals or reliable mobile networks. They emphasized the importance of accessing information in today’s global world and expressed the need for educational resources and online learning opportunities. Currently, they are only able to listen to radio stations when they travel to Nkhata-Bay for the monthly salary collection.
Students at Thotho CDSS, Lucy Manda and James Mhone, echoed these concerns, noting that their peers in towns have access to computers, educational materials, and learning through radio. They urged the government to establish an ICT center in their area to bridge the digital divide.
Sub T/A Khoza, the traditional authority for the area, pleaded with the government to address the issue, emphasizing that the denial of access to information is a violation of their rights. He called for the provision of Malawian radio stations and mobile networks since the colonial era when they have solely relied on Tanzanian broadcasts.
The responsible minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu, acknowledged the challenges faced by the affected communities. He explained that the topography of the area caused signal spillage, resulting in the reception of Tanzanian radio broadcasts. However, he assured the public that measures were being taken to address the issue.
Kunkuyu revealed that MACRA had licensed several radio stations in the north, such as Voice of Livingstonia, Tuntufye Radio, Tigabane Radio, and Wazilinda, which already covered Nkhata-Bay. Additionally, there is a radio station called Chirundu at Nkhata-Bay Boma, which serves Nkhata-Bay central and surrounding areas.
Regarding the lack of network towers in the area, the minister explained that MACRA had initiated a Universal Service Fund Project to identify areas with gaps in network coverage. A total of 26 towers are planned to be installed across Malawi, including Nkhata-Bay, to address these deficiencies.
Kunkuyu further clarified that MACRA had concluded the refarming exercise, freeing up frequencies for broadcasting stations. He encouraged people in Nkhata-Bay to apply for licenses to establish broadcasting stations within the district.
The residents of Nkhata-Bay eagerly await the implementation of these measures, hopeful that they will finally gain access to local radio stations and improved mobile network connectivity. The ability to stay informed and connected with the broader world is crucial for their personal and professional development.
