LARKANA, April 27: With the installation of the PPP-led government, hopes that Larkana Radio Station will start broadcasting programmes through a 100KW transmitter have rekindled among residents of Larkana district and adjacent areas.

While inaugurating the FM (frequency modulation) radio station on September 24, 1995, former prime minister Benazir Bhuto had said that the station would soon be upgraded by installation of a 100KW digital medium wave transmitter.

Sources told Dawn the ministry concerned had purchased a 100KW digital medium wave transmitters but political ups and downs could not let the plan materialise. With the change of government the transmitter was shifted and installed in Turbat on the orders of the then federal minister Zubaida Jalal while a 10KW transmitter was installed for Radio Pakistan Larkana in 2003.

Previous governments had drastically cut the project of Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation Larkana, so much so that instead of constructing four floors of its building it was shifted on the third.

Also a piece of land measuring 15,000 square feet adjacent to the PBC Larkana building meant for the construction of a residential colony for the staff and officers was cancelled, the sources said.

According to the PC-I of the project, the number of permanent employees was 105 but after a lapse of 13 years the ministry could only post 14 regular employees at PBC Larkana. Presently 40 employees are working in this station with only three regular producers and two guest (temporary) producers.

The station has no news section and a clerk was looking after the accounts as so far no accounts officer has been posted here. It is learnt that the case of upgrading the status of Radio Pakistan Larkana has been recommended to the ministry with updating arrangements.