Lainya Residents Call for Revival of Unity Radio 100.8 FM Ahead of Elections

(LAINYA COUNTY) – Residents of Lainya County in Central Equatoria State are appealing to the state government and non-governmental organisations operating in the area to support the restoration of the county’s only community radio station, saying access to reliable information is crucial as South Sudan prepares for its first-ever elections.

Community members say Unity FM 100.8 has been off air for nearly two years, creating a significant information gap and limiting access to civic education and other important public awareness programmes.

Speaking to Access Radio, Moriba Maka, a resident of Lainya Town, said the absence of the station has forced people to depend on information from Yei and Juba, often leaving communities vulnerable to rumours and misinformation.

“This radio station started well, but unfortunately it did not last long. It went off air and we do not know what the problem was. We call on the government and NGOs to help address this challenge of lack of information in the area,” she said.

Maka added that the station’s premises have been left unattended, with the facility now overgrown and largely abandoned.

“The compound of the radio station is now a playing ground for domestic and wild animals. Doors have been locked and there are no people around. The compound will soon be fully covered by growing bush around it”

Another resident, Kenyi Edward, blamed the situation on inadequate support from both the community and local authorities.

“Community ownership and support for local development projects remain a major challenge here. Even the government is not doing its part to support this important tool of communication. We call for support to ensure Unity FM is back on air before the elections,” Edward said.

According to Edward, the absence of a functioning local radio station has made it difficult for residents to raise issues affecting their communities and engage effectively with government officials and development partners.

Earlier, the station’s chairperson, Julius Luate, told Access Radio that the shutdown of the station has deprived residents of a reliable platform for local news, public awareness campaigns, and community dialogue.

Luate explained that the station stopped broadcasting due to technical problems with its solar power system, which serves as the facility’s main source of electricity.

“The radio has been off air for nearly one year. I am appealing for a technician to assess the exact problem with the power system so that we can work together to restore the station. Having the radio operational is important because it enables the government and development partners to communicate timely information to the public,” Luate said.

He called on well-wishers, development partners, and members of the community to support efforts aimed at bringing the station back on air.

Unity FM 100.8 is a community radio initiative established by the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO) with support from international development partners. Residents say restoring the station would strengthen access to information, promote civic engagement, and support public awareness efforts ahead of the country’s anticipated elections.