KARONGI- After months of preparatory work to establish a community radio in Karongi District, the new radio, Isangano Radio, is finally on air.

The radio first hit the airwaves early this week and is expected to boost communication and help the population access a wide range of knowledge that would help boost their social and economic status.

"It’s an important opportunity for us to involve the general public in the development of the district and this radio is an important tool in communication,” said Protais Nyamurinda, the chairperson of Isangano Association that owns the radio station.

He noted that that it would promote participation of the local population in good governance and enhancement of democracy.

The radio was established with funding from the US government through the International Research and Exchange Board (IREX), an international media organisation with various projects worldwide.

It is also helping to set-up of another community radio station in Gicumbi District.

", It has been a major challenge participating in public debates and other discussions such as good governance without a radio,” said Anthony Butera, a student at Kigali Health Institute, Karongi campus.

It has kept us ignorant about government policies, which the new radio will address”.

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