By Alfred Zacharia
The
Government of Tanzania is investing TZS 6.27 billion in a nationwide project to
expand the reach of TBC Taifa, the national radio station, to
underserved and remote communities.
The
initiative, a collaboration between the Universal Communications Service Access
Fund (UCSAF) and the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC), involves the establishment
of 19 new radio stations.
So far, 11
stations have been completed, and 8 are under installation. These stations are
being established in regions where radio signals were either weak or completely
unavailable.
Speaking recently
with media editors in Dar es Salaam, UCSAF Director General, Engineer Peter
Mwasalyanda, said the project reflects the government’s vision to ensure no
citizen is left behind in access to information.
"Radio
is still the most reliable and affordable medium of communication in many parts
of Tanzania. With this investment, we are bringing TBC Taifa closer to the
people, especially those in remote areas who have not had clear radio access
for years," said Engineer Mwasalyanda.
The
session was organized by the Office of the Treasury Registrar to highlight how
government institutions are directly improving the lives of citizens through
public investments.
The
completed stations are located in Mlimba (Morogoro), Ludewa (Njombe), Ruangwa
(Lindi), Ngara (Kagera), Kyela (Mbeya), Kisaki (Morogoro), Ngorongoro (Arusha),
Mlele (Katavi), Makete (Njombe), Mbinga (Ruvuma), and Uvinza (Kigoma). Some are
signal booster stations, while others are full broadcasting centers.
Ongoing
construction is taking place in Lushoto–Mkinga (Tanga), Kyerwa (Kagera), Kiteto
(Manyara), Chunya (Mbeya), Chemba (Dodoma), Rombo (Kilimanjaro), Usangi
(Kilimanjaro), and Geita (Geita).
Engineer
Mwasalyanda emphasized that access to information is a right that supports
social inclusion, education, health, and economic development.
“Once
these stations are complete, millions more Tanzanians will have access to TBC’s
educational programs, government announcements, emergency alerts, and national
conversations. It’s a foundation for greater citizen engagement and national
unity,” he added.
The
project aligns with the broader national goal of universal access to
communication services, ensuring that development is inclusive and information
flows freely to all corners of the country.
