Gambia: GRTS Top Officials Visit Satellite Projects in URR, CRR

Basse — Top officials of the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS), led by the director general, Alhaji Momodou Sanyang, on Friday visited their two ongoing satellite projects in Kudang and Basse, in the Central and Upper River Regions respectively.

The delegation included directors of finance and engineering, Lamin Ceesay and Bai Sanyang respectively; as well as Sadibou Jammeh, senior marketing manager. The visit availed them the opportunity to inspect their 100-metre radio and television transmission in Basse Manneh Kunda, which is part of the US$12M satellite project.

Speaking to journalists during the visit, the GRTS DG harped on the importance of the project, and commended the governor of the region for allocating the lands for both the satellite project. He noted that the governor has been very supportive to his institution.

Also speaking to the reporters, Bai Sanyang affirmed that the satellite project is in progress, indicating that they are done with the fencing of the vast 200m by 200m of satellite project site. He explained that the transmission room will accommodate three FM radio station transmitters and two TV transmitters, and that there would also be a standby generator in place to ensure continuous service.

Sanyang then commended the governor of URR for his support to GRTS.While stating that the project started some years ago, Sanyang explained that the giant transmitter would fill the gap between Bansang and Basse.

The governor of the region, Omar Khan, described the satellite project as timely, noting that the people of his region welcomed the development undertaken by the current management of GRTS. Describing television as a very important tool for disseminating information, the governor said the satellite project would help in expanding the current coverage of both TV and radio. He seized the opportunity to thank the Gambian leader for the foresight in bringing the project.

Sideline visits

Meanwhile the top echelon of the national broadcaster had earlier paid courtesy call on the Governor's Office, where they presented the balance of D38, 500 to the contractor for the purchase of the material for guest staff apartments currently under construction in Basse Mansajang Kunda. Similarly, the delegation also visited the GRTS Radio Basse, where the director general commended the level of team work among the staff.

By Alieu Ceesay, 27 February 2012