CRI听力:Mozambique benefits from China-aided digital TV Project

Mozambique in southern Africa has become one of the first countries to benefit from a China-aided digital TV network in Africa.

Helton Wiliamo is watching an English-dubbed Chinese movie on TV at his home in Marracuene, a village 70 kilometers north of Maputo, capital of Mozambique.

Photo taken on January 16th, 2019 shows Helton Wiliamo and his family watching a Chinese movie on TV. Wiliamo is one of the beneficiaries of the China-aided digital TV project. [Photo: China Plus/Gao Junya]

His family is one of the 20 households in Marracuene that have enjoyed free installation of digital TV services thanks to the China-aided digital TV project.

He said his life has changed a lot since the installation.

"I'm very lucky to receive the digital TV kit. After the installation, I can watch many TV channels without interference and with good quality. For example, now it's raining, but I can watch it very well. Before, it's not possible."

Launched in 2015, the project aims to cover 10-thousand villages in Africa.

The official launch ceremony of the digital TV project in Mozambique was held last May at the First Primary School of Marracuene.

The guests at the event included China's top legislator Li Zhanshu.

Gabriel Mabjaia is the headmaster of the school.

"Our school benefits a lot from the digital TV project. We've made a schedule for kids to watch TV programs. They are divided into three groups and each group are allowed to watch TV one time per week. They mainly watch kid programs and education programs. Moreover, teachers can also take use the equipment to have seminars and undergo training."

So far, 500 villages in Mozambique have received digital TV service, with access given to 20 households, a hospital, a school and a church in each village.

The Chinese digital TV service provider, StarTimes, is responsible for the installation of the equipment.

Operation Director Yu Wenyu of StarTimes Mozambique says the team encountered many unexpected difficulties in the work, such as shabby infrastructure and poorly constructed buildings.

However, Yu Wenyu said all of the hard work was worth it after the team received loads of compliments and thanks coming from villagers.

"The project is well-received across the African continent. For example, the Mozambican government wants more villages to be covered by the digital TV services. So I think and I hope the village project will be further expanded, enabling more African families to enjoy digital TV services."