By Donald Matthys
THE loss-making state broadcaster, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), has been allocated N$392 million(US$21.67million) for the 2023/24 financial year.
The broadcaster got the biggest chunk from the ministry of information’s N$651,4 million budget allocation.
“NBC has been allocated N$310 million towards their operational budget and N$82 million towards their development budget for the upgrading of the remote rural broadcast networks, dilapidated studios and equipment,” information minister Peya Mushelenga said.
Mushelenga delivered his ministry’s budget motivation in parliament on Wednesday.
According to the latest report by the auditor general, released in November, NBC’s accumulated losses stood at N$1,6 billion at the end of the 2019/2020 financial year.
In the report, auditor general Junias Kandjeke said NBC continued to incur financial losses and could not generate sufficient cash flow to sustain its operations.
Kandjeke said NBC would have to rely on government handouts to continue its operations going forward. He said NBC directors confirmed that they are satisfied that the NBC could only continue business operations if the government guarantees adequate subsidy.
“The corporation is primarily dependent on receiving sufficient future government funding for the continuation of broadcasting operations and the settlement of its operations in the normal course of business,” Kandjeke said in the report.
Information Commission
Meanwhile, the ministry has allocated N$20 million for the establishment of an information commission this year, to prepare for the full implementation of the Access to Information Act, which president Hage Geingob signed into law last year.
“The access to information legislation will ensure that our citizens have unhindered access to information that will enable them to make informed decisions about their lives and their livelihoods, allow them to participate in the democratic processes, and enhance transparency and accountability which are the cornerstone in building public trust,” Mushelenga said.
Furthermore, N$19,8 million has also been allocated for the development of the ministry’s policy and infrastructure development initiatives.
“This programme, among others, continues to formulate, review and assess the implementation of laws, policies and strategies pertaining to ICT,” Mushelenga said.
Mushelenga said the review of various ICT policies and possible consolidation into a uniform national ICT policy is on the cards.
On ICT infrastructure development, he said the ministry will focus on coordinating national initiatives aimed at increasing coverage and accessibility of technology infrastructure and services for all citizens.
“It is evident that the importance of ICT infrastructural development cannot be overstressed, hence, our continued efforts to improve the establishment of such infrastructure in partnership with private sector players,” Mushelenga said.
Mushelenga said the ministry will continue to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the national broadband policy to narrow the digital gap.
He said the policy will be reviewed to include the Southern African Development Community 2025 broadband targets.
