Parliamentary Committee Expresses Concern Over Communication Impact of Tropical Cyclone Freddy

NSANJE, Malawi - The Parliamentary Committee on Media, Information, and Communications has expressed deep concern over the impact of tropical cyclone Freddy on the communication sector, a month after the devastating cyclone hit the country, writes Cornelius Lupenga.

Chairperson of the committee, Susan Dossi, made this revelation during a visit to Nyathepa Community Radio in Nsanje district, accompanied by officials from the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA).

Dossi stated, "Community radios play a crucial role in the communities we live by, among informing, educating, and entertaining us. The cyclone has caused havoc to many infrastructures, including Nyathepa Community Radio, which has been severely affected."

“As a committee, we will report to Parliament what we have seen for ourselves, and surely something will be done to assist the community radio."

MACRA Director General, Daud Suleman, also acknowledged the impact of Tropical Cyclone Freddy on the communications sector in the country.

"Both telecommunications and broadcasting were not spared by the cyclone," he said.

Despite the devastation caused to Nyathepa Community Radio's equipment, Suleman appreciated their efforts to continue broadcasting.

He stated, "The National Emergency Telecommunications Plan has a number of recovery sectors, and once assessments are completed, MACRA will roll out assistance to Nyathepa Community Radio."

Nyathepa Community Radio Board Chair, Wyson Dakamau, recalled that the station's campus was submerged during the cyclone on March 15, 2023.

Dakamau urged for K20.3 million Kwacha in funding to restore the station's normal operations.

"The Nsanje District Commissioner, Board of Trustees, and Management played a crucial role in removing the equipment from the premises, which were above knee levels," said Dakamau.

Nyathepa Community Radio first went on the air in 2015 and has since been a vital source of information, education, and entertainment for the local community.