The National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) of Papua New Guinea has restored radio broadcasting services in Western Province after a seven-year interruption, marking an important development in improving access to information for remote communities.

NBC Western’s local radio service had been off air since June 2019 following the decommissioning of a telecommunications tower that housed its transmitter. Broadcasting has now resumed following the relocation of transmission equipment to infrastructure owned by the PNG Sustainable Development Program (PNGSDP).

The restoration forms part of a K1.8 million investment by PNGSDP to upgrade FM broadcasting infrastructure in Daru and install relay equipment in Morehead, Kondobol, Balimo and Wipim. The project involved approximately one year of planning and coordination.

PNGSDP Chief Executive Officer Lesieli Taviri highlighted the partnership between the organisation and NBC, combining financial investment and infrastructure support with the broadcaster’s technical expertise and public service mandate.

Beyond restoring radio reception, the initiative will strengthen communication between local authorities, development organisations and communities. The service will also support the dissemination of information on agriculture, education, healthcare and other development programmes, reinforcing radio’s importance in reaching geographically isolated populations.