CHANGES IN TELECOM SYSTEMS TO AFFECT RADIO - MINISTER
	The Minister of Communications, Dr 'Mamphono Khaketla says Telecom Lesotho is in the process of installing new digital equipment countrywide to improve on its service delivery and to widen the installation capacity. Dr Khaketla said this means moving away from the current analogue system to the digital system, saying as much as this move is admired, both Radio and TV will suffer some losses in transmission due to these changes as both stations use Telecom facilities in other areas of the country. She said at present, Radio Lesotho has transmitters at Lancers Gap, Leribe, Thaba-Tseka, Mafeteng, Quthing, Semonkong and Mokhotlong, adding that radio broadcast in Mokhotlong also use Telecom Lesotho facilities when the Mokhotlong transmitter fails. The Minister said the installation of the digital system by Telecom Lesotho facilities will also affect transmission of TV Lesotho as this station is currently using Telecom Lesotho facilities to transfer waves from its transmitters at the Lesotho Sun and Berea Plateau. She added that as a result of the changes in Telecom Lesotho systems, there will be no TV broadcasts in Mafeteng, Leribe, and Butha-Buthe, and showed that TV will also not be able to make live broadcast if the event is carried outside Maseru. Dr Khaketla explained that the Ministry has entered into a contract with one of the Lesotho companies to install new equipment, which will enable the use of both analogue and digital systems. "The Ministry will use over M2.9 million, and M1, 165, 118.40 has already been paid to the Contractor to carry out the work", she added. The Minister said all the work is expected to be complete before the end of November, and added that transmission problems could be expected when work is carried out. Commenting on the statement made by the Minister was Mr Morapeli Motaung who recommended that the staff of both radio and TV Lesotho should also be trained so that they perform their duties effectively. He said some of the Presenters and Announcers are not eloquent to be on radio and TV, saying some are not even serious about their jobs, hence intensive training is needed. 06 September,2002
	SOURCE: LENA