Juba — The Directorate of Radio and TV in the Ministry of Information has received one new FM radio and two TV transmitters.

The caretaker minister for Information, Hon Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin said that the new equipment will extend the reach of the state radio and television services. "This is a major achievement for the new country", he said.

Dr Marial said that radio and TV play a pivotal role in disseminating valuable information on government programmes and policies as well as educating the masses on issues relating to health and agriculture among other matters close to the heart of the new nation.

He commended the work of the Directorate explaining that SSTV ventured into satellite broadcasting within the first two years of the establishment of the then Government of Southern Sudan. He said that this was not a mean fete but an indication of the government's commitment to empower the people with information and knowledge.

The caretaker minister said that the fact that SSTV broadcasts for only 12 hours on satellite limits its potential. Nonetheless, he explained that it is still a good achievement enabling people all over the world to tune in to the channel and access authentic information on South Sudan. With the two new transmitters, he said, the SSTV will soon launch 24-hour broadcasts.

Dr Marial also commended the Directorate for its superb performance during the independence celebrations. He said the occasion was a success largely because of the publicity and promotion programmes which the radio and television executed. He urged the staff to keep up the good work assuring them that many South Sudanese, including President Salva Kiir Mayardit, tune in to their broadcasts.

The caretaker minister made these remarks when he officially opened new office blocks at the South Sudan TV (SSTV) premises in Juba yesterday. He clarified that these offices are temporary and will be used by the Directorate while a new premise is being constructed for it. The caretaker minister announced that the new premise will be a modern facility with multiple production and broadcast studios for radio and TV as well as a media centre. He said the Ministry has financial challenges but pledged that it will do what is possible with the meagre resources available.

The Acting Undersecretary Mr Mustafa Biong Majak said that given the important role radio and television play in the dissemination of government policies, the Directorate is normally given priority when allocating resources in the Ministry.

The function was attended by staff of the Directorate led by the Director General Mr Arop Bagat, Director of SSTV Mr Francis Duku, Director of South Sudan Radio Ms Susan Alphonce, among other senior officers.