The Minister of Communication, Science and Technology, Mr. Tšoinyana Rapapa handed over network infrastructure equipment to Lerotholi Polytechnic at the event held at Lerotholi Polytechnic (LP) premises on Thursday.
When handing over a network infrastructure, Mr. Rapapa said the handing over affirms the provision of free internet for three years to Lerotholi Polytechnic.
He said the government has established the Universal Service Fund (USF) with the assistance of the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) primarily to address issues of promotion to access communication services thus telephone systems, broadband, postal services and broadcasting.
He said it is for this reason that on this day, the Ministry has assembled to witness the great work that the fund has done for this institution.
Moreover, Mr. Rapapa said the project was commissioned in November last year and completed in February 2022, adding that the work that has been done will significantly improve the institution’s capacity and connectivity which will help students in their learning, and staff in their daily communication and teaching.
He further noted that the project cost about M1 million and the government through USF is happy to announce that all money has been paid to the project.
In conclusion, he said the investment should be held with care, students must use it effectively and staff should supervisors accordingly to advance academic excellence.
The Lerotholi Polytechnic Rector, Dr Spirit Tlali thanked the Ministry of Communication, Science and Technology and its partners for ensuring the success of the project, saying this is going to improve the academic learning of Lerotholi Polytechnic students.
Dr Tlali said the Ministry of Communications has indeed been hands-on in improving learning facilities through the use of network infrastructure.
Also speaking, the USF Executive Secretary, Mr. Soko Thabisi said this marks the second visit to this institution regarding network infrastructure as the first visit was the sod turning of deploying the network infrastructure.
Mr. Thabisi said USF’s main objective is to promote access to communication services hence the deployment of bandwidth at Lerotholi Polytechnic institution.
He urged LP students and staff to use the equipment to promote education in higher institutions.
Network infrastructure is to be deployed in four higher learning institutions that include the National University of Lesotho, Lesotho College of Education, Lerotholi Polytechnic and the Centre for Accounting Studies.
By Staff Reporter: Noliwe Velaphe
