The Lesotho Telecommunications Authority (LTA) is currently conducting a survey on the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) indicators and E-readiness in the country.

The study is being carried by LTA in collaboration with the Institute of Southern African Studies (ISAS) of the National University of Lesotho.

In an interview, LTA Public Relations Manager, Mr. Ts'iu Ts'iu said the purpose of the survey is to find progress on how the country has advanced in terms of Information and Communication Technology.

He said the study is being conducted in all the districts, and it is being done in conjunction with the Bureau of Statistics.

"Ideally, these statistics ought to be collected by the National Statistical offices such as the Bureau of Statistic in Lesotho, and said unlike household budget surveys, these kinds of surveys are new and have not been part of their traditional data collection.", he said.

He said after relevant ICT indicators were identified, a sampling frame for the sectors to be studied was developed, and the plan is to run a comprehensive ICT and E-Readiness survey covering the business, education health and accommodation establishments sectors.

He added that ICT's have repeatedly demonstrated their potential for alleviating poverty in developing countries as poor people benefit in the form of increased income, better health care and access to job opportunities, including Lesotho.

Mr. Ts'iu said, the survey started last month, and up to this far, they have covered nine districts and it is expected to finish towards the end of this week in Maseru.

This is the first survey of its kind in the country.

Source: LENA 31/10/2007