Dear Editor,

It is understandable why many Lindeners do not tune in to radio and young people especially are distant from it. The fact is there is none to tune in to. Finding NCN radio in Linden is often like a hide and seek game – ‘now you hear me, now you don’t’ − and this has been going on for eons! The frequent breakdowns and grating reception have taken their toll on the few radio enthusiasts; these black-outs happen sometimes at regular intervals and other times at random. Many times it happens after 9.30 in the morning, and this can last for as long as an hour; sometimes it begins after 1300hrs at other times after 1800hrs, and of late it starts in the early morning and lasts for hours. Then again, in many instances the reception is dirt poor; it comes through a background which has the sound of a plane is landing, or the washing and filtration of bauxite in the mills.

This kind of service from NCN is most stressful and frustrating, and riles one up. Is it any wonder that radio has lost so many listeners in Linden and young people are almost totally out of touch? The CEO, Mr Goolsarran, once said to me via telephone and also in the paper that with the obsolete equipment, new replacements and relocation were being looked into for a better quality service to the community soon, but that was a long, long time ago – has he forgotten? I know what I’m saying; I am a radio person and I would meet others who would complain to me in disgust. Many Lindeners now have only one option; either switch on to the lone NCN TV station or play DVDs which most people do anyhow.

Radio aside, may I take this opportunity to address a danger zone. Would you believe that the main/only bridge to the Linden Centre for the Disabled is almost collapsing?  Isn’t it somewhat ironic that the disabled are made to negotiate this trap called a bridge which has been in this condition for quite some time. I often ponder what public office bearers think about their sphere of responsibility. One is left to conclude that the relevant authorities and the top functionaries don’t visit or were unsuccessful in their effort to repair it or simply don’t give a damn. But like I always say, maybe not until someone of status who is considered a ‘somebody’ or his/her kin fall victim, will it maybe get attention.

Yours faithfully,
Frank Fyffe