The funding, approved by the Council of Ministers, will support a phased renovation project, including the construction of a perimeter fence and upgrades to the station’s facilities.
Garang revealed that the project is already underway, and a company named Cannal is tasked with the work.
“The $48,000 is divided into three phases. The first payment of $19,000 will be made next week to begin construction of the fence,” he said. The fence is expected to be completed within a month, after which renovations to the buildings housing the station’s equipment will commence.
Northern Bahr el Ghazal currently lacks a functional government-owned radio or television station, relying instead on private outlets like Akol Yaam FM, operated by The Radio Community (TRC) and funded by Internews.
Garang emphasised the urgency of restoring Aweil Radio and TV to serve as a vital public information platform.
Local journalist Mou Deng urged the state’s Minister of Information and Governor Simon Ober Mawut to prioritise the project. “Information is power,” Deng said.
“The state cannot afford to remain in a media blackout, depending on private media to communicate with its people,” he noted.
The reconstruction of the station also attracted support from development partners. Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO), UNESCO, and UNMISS have all pledged to support the revival of the station.
