Maseru, March 24 – The Minister of Information, Communications, and Science Technology & Innovation Ms. Nthati Moorosi says the virus attack on the government system lately is a major concern to her Ministry.
When presenting the budget of her Ministry in the National Assembly this week, Ms. Moorosi also expressed her concern over vandalism to the Lesotho National Broadcasting Service (LNBS) towers.
Furthermore, the Minister said the internet and licenses debts are a worrisome factor which negatively affects ministerial growth.
She also stated that the old equipment used without being replaced by the new and modern one was a major stumbling block to the Ministry.
Ms. Nthati said the fact that LNBS, Lesotho News Agency (LENA), Postal Services, Appropriate Technology Services (ATS), Library and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) are not independent is also another obstacle.
‘Inadequate ministerial budget which covers only nine of 22 Towers for both Radio and Television is also impacting negatively on the growth of this Ministry’, she highlighted.
The Minister said the purpose of the budget is to create new jobs for the youth, create an enabling environment for the internet to promote economic growth.
Ms. Moorosi said the plans for the new Financial Year 2024/25 are to increase rural broadband coverage in which 21 base stations will be made, adding that a fibre cable from Roma to Thaba Tseka will be installed.
She also pointed out that the budget will help expand Lesotho Government data network in which 50 clinics and one new hospital will be connected.
The Minister also promised to upgrade data networks in three centres.
She promised to table the Cybercrime and Cybersecurity Bill, Electronic Transactions and Communications Bill, Library Bill, Research and Innovation Policy to establish Research Agency in future, Digital Transformation Policy, National Artificial Intelligence Policy, Data Management Policy and Cybersecurity Policy.
The Ministry of Information, Communications, and Science Technology & Innovation has been allocated the total of M239,227,36 of which M 89,561,311 is the operating Costs, M 131,688,893 will cover travel and transport, M 16,775,356 and acquisition of Non- Financial Assets to the tune of: M 1,201,802.
Ends
