The construction of the long awaited first ever Kasempa Community Radio station has been completed and would soon obtain a test transmission license from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Meanwhile, Kasempa Constituency Member of Parliament, Kabinga Pande has strongly advised management at the Community Radio station not to allow people to use the station for political mileage.

The new community radio station, whose construction started last year with full funding from PANOS, is using unique hi-tech equipment in Zambia.

Station Manager, Musonda Mukanu, revealed that the state of the art equipment was installed by Globe Com of South Africa, saying the station has embarked on putting up programmes in readiness for the test transmissions soon.

This came to light when Mr. Pande, who is also Foreign Affairs Minister, toured the community radio station yesterday.

Mr. Mukanu told Mr. Pande that the community radio station will focus on developmental programmes and assured him that management will not allow any one to use it for cheap politicking.

A visibly happy Station Manager said so far 16 volunteers, who underwent training through PANOS, have been practicing their skills while awaiting a license.

“Most of the volunteers are school leavers while some are in employment. We however demand commitment from those in employment so that transmission work does not suffer,” he explained.

And speaking after touring the station, Mr. Pande described the completion of construction and installation of equipment at the community radio station as a landmark achievement for Kasempa district.

He also advised management to listen to reactions from the community on the choice of programmes, saying the community radio station should satisfy the needs of the community.

“We do not want to be in trouble from government. Kasempa Community radio station should be an example of a well used community radio station in the country. It should unite the district and constructively build the nation through developmental programmes” he advised.

Mr. Pande said the role of government is to ensure that the community radio station succeeds, adding that this is the only way it will help spread information in a rural area like Kasempa.

He advised workers at the station to use the equipment with caution and care because it too expensive to be damaged through carelessness.

On the license, Mr. Pande advised management to write and invite the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to come and inspect the installed equipment as soon as possible before getting a licence to start broadcasting.

ZANIS