Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-28 21:59:14
China’s involvement in the refurbishment and expansion of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) dates back to 2006 when the two countries entered into a Technical Assistance Agreement. Through this agreement, China supported the first phase of the LBS project, which began in November 2007 and culminated in the renovation and equipping of the LBS facility in November 2008. The cost of this project amounted to US$4 million and included the establishment of relay outstations in several Liberian counties, connected to the main studio in Monrovia through microwave satellite links. This expansion significantly increased the station’s coverage across the country, reaching audiences in Bomi, Bong, Grand Bassa, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Maryland Counties.
The handover of the renovated and fully-equipped LBS facility in 2008 marked a milestone in the cooperation between China and Liberia in the field of broadcasting. The project not only improved the infrastructure of LBS but also enhanced its capacity to disseminate information and programming to a wider audience. The successful completion of phase one paved the way for future collaborations between the two countries in supporting the media sector in Liberia.
Fast forward to March 29, 2024, and the Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, Mr. Yin Chengwu, announced the commencement of phase two of the refurbishment and expansion project at LBS. Following a meeting with Liberian Information Minister Mr. Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, Amb. Yin disclosed that China was ready to kick off the next phase of the project. This development underscores China’s continued commitment to supporting Liberia’s broadcast infrastructure and promoting bilateral relations between the two countries.
Ambassador Yin highlighted that an engineering team from China would soon arrive in Liberia to initiate phase two of the project officially. He emphasized China’s dedication to upholding the one-China policy and strengthening its relationship with Liberia through tangible projects like the LBS expansion. The announcement of phase two reaffirms China’s long-term partnership with Liberia in advancing the country’s media landscape and promoting cultural exchange.
Minister Piah, also the chair of the LBS Board of Directors, expressed gratitude for China’s ongoing support in enhancing LBS’s capacity to engage with the public effectively. He praised China’s assistance in propagating government programs and activities to the Liberian population through the state-owned broadcasting platform. Minister Piah reiterated the Liberian government’s commitment to the one-China policy and emphasized China’s role as a strategic partner in Liberia’s development journey.
As phase two of the LBS refurbishment and expansion project gets underway, both countries are poised to strengthen their collaboration in the media sector and deepen their longstanding partnership. The continuation of this initiative reflects the shared commitment of China and Liberia to enhancing broadcasting infrastructure, promoting information dissemination, and fostering mutual understanding between their peoples. With China’s support, LBS is poised to further expand its reach and impact, serving as a vital conduit for communication and dialogue in Liberia.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
