What You Need to Know
The Ministry of Information in Lesotho is set to inspect sites for a new Broadcasting Complex, funded by Lesotho and China. The project aims to improve broadcasting services and internet infrastructure, while addressing challenges like vandalism of communication towers. The budget for this initiative has been approved by the National Assembly.
Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation will this financial year undertake an inspection process ahead of the construction of a new Broadcasting Complex.
This was revealed by the Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms Nthati Moorosi, when presenting the ministry’s recurrent budget estimate of M264,695,313 before the Committee of Supply in the National Assembly on Friday.
Ms Moorosi indicated that the construction project will be jointly funded by the governments of the Kingdom of Lesotho and the People’s Republic of China. She noted that the ministry will identify a suitable site for the complex and determine the equipment to be installed in the facility.
She further stated that the ministry plans to expand internet infrastructure and broadcasting services through television and radio, as well as modernise Lesotho Television studios and improve radio transmission clarity across the country.
However, Ms Moorosi highlighted vandalism of communication towers and challenges in policy implementation as some of the issues affecting the ministry’s operations.
Meanwhile, some Members of Parliament recommended the deployment of security guards at communication towers to curb vandalism. They also urged the ministry to extend radio broadcasting services to highland areas to enhance access to information and to consider constructing Lesotho National Broadcasting Service (LNBS) facilities outside the Maseru Central Business District.
The proposed budget was approved and adopted as part of the annual financial estimates.
Lesotho has faced challenges in its broadcasting sector, including outdated infrastructure and limited access to information in remote areas. The government’s initiative to construct a new Broadcasting Complex reflects a commitment to modernize media services and enhance communication across the country. This project is part of broader efforts to improve internet access and broadcasting clarity, particularly in highland regions where service has been lacking. The collaboration with China signifies international support for Lesotho’s development goals.
