DODOMA: THE Tanzanian government has invested a total 5.696bn/- in constructing seven communication towers and upgrading five community radio studios to expand access to information, particularly in underserved communities.
This was revealed by the Minister of Communication and Information Technology Angellah Kairuki when presenting a report on efforts to improve communication through community radio stations to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Infrastructure in Dodoma noting that the projects are implemented through the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF) as part of efforts to strengthen community communication.
In addition, she said that UCSAF has also developed guidelines for providing grants to community radio and television stations to promote transparency, accountability and fairness in the allocation of resources.
ALSO READ: Tanzania, HSE Ireland agree to bolster healthcare services in Dodoma
“The guidelines are intended to improve access to communication services and strengthen the capacity of community broadcasters to serve their audience,” she said.
Committee chairperson Selemani Moshi Kakoso urged the government to accelerate efforts to establish community radio stations in regions that have yet to benefit from the services.
He said expanding the stations will enable more citizens to access information and participate in community development.