Member of Parliament for Malingoaneng Constituency No. 77, Mr. Serialong Qoo, says aviation is a critical sector that needs proper administration and management as well as qualified people in
the field of pilot command.

Mr. Qoo was debating in the National Assembly on Thursday in support of the Aviation Bill 2007, which was read for the second time to be passed.

He said, "Aviation is a very expensive sector as it needs various equipment such as search and rescue equipment, hence the need for strong base for laws to protect and administer it.

Mr. Qoo said, the Bill will enable proper communication between the pilot command and people at the tour and provide tied security at the airport as it is a place, where international visitors from various countries enter and leave the country.

According to the Bill, he said, aircrafts will be prevented from entering the country unexpectedly as there will be a clear communication system to control take-offs and landing of aircrafts, adding that the pilot command will also be bound to fill up the flight plan, which will control his or her route.

Mr. Qoo commended the Ministry of Public Works for the Bill, saying it will protect all aviation related issues, while preventing criminal activities such as flights hijacking.

A member for All Basotho Convention (ABC), Mr. Motumi Ralejoe requested that the Bill be passed as the work of aviation changes every now and then due to rapid technological changes, which keeps on improving.

He said, the Bill will enable the country to keep up with the international aviation standards, adding that the country has lost its aircrafts through privatisation due to high aviation costs and the Bill will protect the country from the trauma it has suffered.

He appealed to the government to maintain the existing country's airfields so that they stay in good condition to be used from time to time.

Source: LENA 08/11/2007