Voinjama, Liberia- The trailblazer of community Radio stations in the northwestern Lofa County, Radio Kintoma is said to be on the verge of closure due to limited power supply.
Radio Kintoma is among several community Radio stations established in 2005 in Liberia, through the collaborative efforts by Mercy Corps and Talking Drum Studio to promote peace and reconciliation in the County.
Speaking in an interview, Radio Kintoma Acting Manager Mr. Tokpa M. Tarnue said since 2017 power source stay remains a major challenge that is hampering the smooth operation of the station.
Mr. Tarnue said as the result of limited power source, the Management of Radio Kintoma decided undertaking a project in order to procure solar panels.
The Radio Kintoma acting manager lauded the efforts of some prominent citizens of Lofa County including Lofa County District # 4 Representative Honorable Mayanmu B. Fofana who he said provided USD $3000.00 towards the purchase of solar panels and batteries some two years ago.
He pointed out that because of the limited power source from the solar panels; management is constraint to operate on a 100 WHZ transmitter, adding that the station is yet to operate on its 500 WHZ transmitter.
He pointed noted that current sets of solar panel can no longer supply enough currants to power the 500 WHZ transmitter thereby depriving management and its staff from disseminating quality news and information to the people of Lofa County and beyond.
According to him, Technicians have advised that additional three solar plates, three batteries and a new inverter be purchased to upgrade the power that will help supply more currant for the use of the 500WHZ transmitter.
He also disclosed that in order to run the station effectively and efficiently the Management and Board of Radio Kintoma have launched an operation code name “Operation Revamp Kintoma”.
According to him a total of USD $ 5000.00 is been targeted to purchase additional solar plates, batteries and as well as other studio equipment.
Mr. Tokpa Tarnue is meanwhile, appealing to prominent citizens, local and county authorities, the Lofa County Legislative Caucus, philanthropist organizations and as well as the ordinary citizens to help come to the aid of the station.