At a ceremony held on Monday at Ha-Mabeleatlala in Sempe Constituency, formerly known as Sebapala Constituency, the Minister of Small Business, Cooperatives, and Marketing, Mr. Machesetsa Mofomobe, officially unveiled a transmitter costing more than M3 million.
Speaking at the project’s launch, Mr. Mofomobe expressed his appreciation for it, saying it will be crucial in enabling Basotho to access a variety of network services, including sending money through various money transfers of one’s choosing, Internet services, and a wide range of network coverage and radio stations.
The lack of network coverage services will be a thing of the past for many residents of the councils, he said, adding that the project will benefit residents of more than 15 villages, including Sebapala, Motsapi, Malephane, Moseneke, Letlapeng Photjaphotha, Ha-Mabeleatlala, Tosing, and Mafura in Tosing Community Council.
The Minister of Communications, Science, and Technology, Mr. Toinyana Rapapa, also spoke.
He stated that it is the responsibility of his ministry to make sure that every Mosotho has access to the network of his choice and the services that go along with it.
He exhorted the villages in the project region to work together to protect the transmitter so that it can always fulfil its intended function of offering sustainable technology services, such as cell phone and radio network connections.
He stated that transmitter vandalism is prevalent and has a negative financial impact on the government because it necessitates costly repairs and replacements after being stolen or vandalised.
The Sempe Constituency Member of Parliament, Mr. Makalo Raphoto, expressed appreciation for the project and noted that it paves the way for network coverage in more villages.
He also urged the public to refrain from damaging any attached equipment because doing so would cost a lot of money that could have been used for additional developmental activities.
Additionally, he urged cooperation among the local residents to make sure that the transmitter always fulfils its intended function of offering sustainable technology services, such as cell phone and radio network connections.
Mr. Lillo Mpopo, the Tosing Community Councillor, made a commitment that the community would work together to ensure that the project was effectively protected.
The Lesotho Communications Authority’s Universal Service Fund (UFS) provides funding for the project (LCA).
54 locals from the project region received temporary employment through the project’s construction from November of last year to March.
They worked in phases as unskilled casual labourers on the project.
Chiefs, community council members, government representatives, and the general public all attended the ceremony.