Radio Don Bosco Lubumbashi, a Salesian radio station broadcasting on 103.10 MHz FM in the south of the Democratic Republic of Congo has launched an appeal for a broadcast transmitter, to continue operation.

The station said during a heavy down pour of rains in early February, its 2,000-kilowatt transmitter got severely damaged by lightning that unfortunately hit its facilities and destroyed the motherboard circuit. “The failure was so severe that it had a considerable impact on the signal, making it impossible to transmit for several days,” it said.

The situation the station reported is compromising the smooth running of its programs and the stability of what is the first Salesian radio in Central Africa, which is experiencing enormous difficulties due to its nature as a community radio – and therefore the lack of self-financing resources.

“For this reason, in response to this situation Radio Don Bosco Lubumbashi  is launching an appeal for solidarity to all sister broadcasters in the Salesian world, from Madagascar to Latin America, passing through Rome and without forgetting Asian countries, to help it buy a new transmitter (or get hold of another one, even if used) to continue spreading the Gospel and contribute to enriching the culture of young people in Lubumbashi and its surroundings, with the great hope of perhaps being able to extend its broadcasts to other distant locations with a Salesian presence, such as Goma, Bukavu, Kalemie… and maybe throughout the national territory,” a report said.

In addition to renewing its broadcast equipment, Radio Don Bosco Lubumbashi is also looking for new skills in computer, web management, content creation, etc.

The station began broadcasting in 2014 and will celebrate its tenth anniversary on 10 April 2024.