Five new parliamentary portfolio committees, whose purpose is to monitor government ministries and departments' operations on their daily basis were established in the National Assembly on Friday.

The ministries have been grouped as Social cluster, Economic and Development cluster, Natural Resources, Tourism and Land cluster, Prime Minister's ministries and Departments cluster as well as Law and Public safety cluster.

The committees are also expected to ensure that government ministries deliver effective, efficient and quality services to Basotho.

Speaking in the National Assembly on Friday, the speaker, Ms. Nthloi Motsamai, said portfolio committees are important for any parliament to run its functions properly.

She said members have been allocated accordingly based on their field of experiences and professions.

She however, advised members to elect people of integrity who will make sure that the committees perform their tasks as expected.

Meanwhile, the already functioning Parliamentary Reforms committee is led by Advocate Lekhetho Rakuoane. It comprises the Deputy Prime Minister and the leader of the House, Mr. Lesao Lehohla, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr. Timothy Thahane.

Others are Ministers of Justice, Human Rights and Rehabilitation and of Law and Constitutional Affairs, Mrs. Mpeo Mahase Moiloa, Communications, Science and Technology, Mr. Mothetjoa Metsing as well as Deputy Speaker Mr. Sepheri Motanyane and other 23 members.


 

Source: LENA 14/09/2007