The Minister of Communications, Science and Technology says priority of his ministry during the 2008/2009 financial year includes expansion of television and radio coverage, implementation of Media Policy and establishment of Innovation Fund and Science Centre.

Submitting his request for the ministry in the National Assembly on Thursday, Mr. Mothetjoa Metsing said new telephones lines, television and radio transmitters will be installed in various places to increase national media coverage in the country.

Presently, the Ministry of Communications is engaged in expanding television and radio coverage in Quthing, Mokhele and Kueneng with the assistance of the Chinese Government, while erection of radio transmitters in Thaba-Tseka (Mokhoabong) and Qacha's Nek (Souru) have been completed, Mr. Metsing said.

The Minister further said erection of television transmitters have also been completed at Souru, Popa, Chafo and Berea Plateau, adding that generators will be placed in Leribe, Kueneng, Mafeteng, Mohale's Hoek, Quthing, Qacha'sNek and Thaba-Tseka, which will take off immediately during power failure without affecting normal transmission of radio and television.

'On the other hand, we have signed an agreement to purchase and use equipment that will enable us to broadcast through a satellite,' he said, adding that they have also entered into agreement with Multi choice for Radio Lesotho, Ultimate Radio and LTV to appear on DSTV.

The Minister said that telephone services will also be improved through the establishment of cellular base stations and installation of transmitters.

The Member of Parliament for Butha-Buthe Constituency No. 5, Mr. Motlohi Maliehe expressed with appreciation the heavy tasks ahead of the ministry, noting that the requested budget for the ministry is little compared to the projects to be carried out.

Mr. Maliehe however requested that the ministry be allocated the budget to implement its projects and programmes, which he said will be beneficial for the development of the country.

The Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology has been awarded M86, 117, 240 and the budget will be divided amongst the eight departments to carryout programmes and projects earmarked for this financial year.

The departments are Administration, Information, Lesotho News Agency, Broadcasting, Postal Services, Science and Technology and Information and Communication Technology.

Source: LENA 13/03/2008