Staff Reporter
An update on the 2022 Population and Housing Census study revealed that community radio stations have increased radio penetration in marginalized areas.
Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa revealed this at the 24th post Cabinet Press Briefing in Harare yesterday.
“Under access to information, the nation is advised that the Licensed Community Radio Stations programme which was started by the Second Republic has visibly increased radio penetration for the benefit of the marginalized areas,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa advised the nation that more licensed community radio stations would be launched countrywide in the near future, adding that Government was expediting the implementation of digital programmes through-out the country for the benefit of the people.
Furthermore, she disclosed that according to the study, 91% of households adapted the use of clean fuels such as electricity, solar and flash lights for lighting. And that the Government, through Rural Electrification Agency (REA) continues to give access to electricity in rural areas as well as renewable energy.
“The construction and refurbishment of power stations and many other energy projects in Matabeleland North province and Hydro-power stations and many other energy projects in Matabeleland North province and Hydro-power projects on dams across the country further increased accessibility of electricity,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Minister Mutsvangwa advised relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to use the information from the census report to design appropriate interventions in order to improve the state of affairs in their respective portfolios by incorporating programmes and projects in the formulation of the 2023 and subsequent National Budgets.
