The Minister of Public Service Mr. Semano Sekatle presented the Public Service (Amendment) Bill 2007 for first reading in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

In a statement of objects and reasons presented in the Parliament, he said the purpose of the Bill is to amend the Public Service Act of 2005.

'The Amendment provides for the establishment of a number of panels to constitute the Public Service Tribunal. This will allow for an efficient, effective and timely dispensation of justice and to avoid any unnecessary backlog of cases,' it stated.

Furthermore, the Bill also provides for the disputes that arise from cases in the Public Service to be referred to the Labour Court for appeal, which is competent to deal with labour issues.

In addition, there is a need to gradually move towards a single labour system in Lesotho.

It also stipulates that the amendment will make a provision for the Minister to have the power to set up panels for the purposes of the Public Service Tribunal and for incidental matters.

Meanwhile, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Mphu Ramatlapeng also presented the Drugs of Abuse Bill 2007 in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

Dr Ramatlapeng pointed out that the purpose of the bill is to establish Lesotho Narcotics Bureau, which is a multi sectoral body that will among others advise the Ministers on policy development of government and implementation with regard to illicit drugs and drug traffickers.

She also noted that the bill coordinates all drug abuse related activities of government ministries, departments and Non Governmental Organisations aimed at illicit drug trafficking.

Again, she said the bill will review penalties imposed upon drug users and control equipment and materials, which are used in the illicit manufacture of drugs of abuse. And that it will make provision for control of toxic chemicals inhalants, precursors and control equipment and materials which are used in the illicit manufacture of drugs of abuse.

Dr Ramatlapeng pointed out that the bill will establish an account for drugs of abuse prevention and control under the consolidated fund of Lesotho to be used for the purposes of meeting expenses incurred in carrying out and furthering the purpose of this act.

Source: LENA 12/09/2007