As part of the USAID/Liberia Media Activity technical support for community radio stations across Liberia, US ambassador to Liberia, Michael McCarthy along with USAID Mission Director Jim Wright has formally turned on a solar energy package at the Voice of Sinoe community radio in Greenville.
The turning on ceremony took place on Friday, April 14, in the presence of executives of Internews Liberia and residents of Greenville.
Voice of Sinoe is one of 30 radio stations receiving from Internews support through funding from USAID. With this major achievement, a voice has been restored to the people of Sinoe.
Prior to the handover, the ambassador and mission director appeared on a live talk show explaining the contribution of the United States government to the people of Liberia and support to the upcoming elections.
Many of Liberia’s community radio stations have not been maintaining their normal broadcast hours due to the current high cost of fuel coupled with expenses associated with regular maintenance of power generators.
Alternative Youth Radio, a youth focus project in Zorzor, Lofa county is also benefitting a 5 kilowatts solar power system currently being installed at its newly built facility, which will officially be dedicated on May 11.
The station’s Chief Executive Officer, James Kwabo praised Internews Liberia through the USAID funded Media Activity project for the support.
“We are grateful to Internews-Liberia, through the USAID-funded Media Activity project, for the ongoing installation of a 5-kilowatt solar power system,” he said.
“This is a significant boost to our initiative because it will lower the cost of running the generator while we continue to serve our community and empower young people through innovation.”
Through a partnership with the Association of Liberia Community Radio (ALICOR), Local Voices Liberia and the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP), beneficiary stations of the Liberia Media Activities implemented by Internews are also receiving training support.