The Minister of Gender, Youth, Sports, Arts, Culture and Social Development, Mr. Pitso Lesaoana has promised to bring Lesotho’s senior national side, Likuena back home from hosting its home games in a foreign land.
This he said when presenting the budget for his Ministry in the National Assembly on Thursday.
Mr Lesaoana said the portion of M1, 395,991,863 allocated to the ministry will be directed for the refurbishment of Setsoto Stadium which is currently banned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) from hosting international sporting events as it does not meet international requirements.
The Minister, however, promised that with the budget allocated, the ministry will upgrade the Setsoto Stadium to meet international requirements so that Setsoto Stadium can host home games.
Furthermore, he said Rapokolana High Altitude Training Centre will also be completed in order to be used as a training camp not only for local teams and athletes but even those from other countries which would prefer to camp in the high altitude.
Mr Lesaoane also mentioned that he will formulate the sports policy which will show which direction the new government would take in order to develop sports in the country.
Speaking about old age pensions, Mr Lesaoana said he is working hard in order for the pensioners to get their grants through social networks to avoid delays in payments caused by flooding rivers and other obstacles like shortage of fuel.
‘’We are going to introduce payment on social networks gradually while using the present paying method until the pensioners are used to this new payment method’’ he said.
The Minister also promised to increase the number of people with disability and beneficiaries of the vulnerable groups who are accessing social grants and the protection and security of women and girls who fall prey to gender-based violence so that they enjoy equal opportunities at workplaces.
A Member of Parliament for Thaba-Phatšoa Constituency, Mr. Thabo Maretlane appealed to the Minister to focus on investing money in the marathon runners whom he said have proved to be successful.
He said other countries inject more funds into specialised sporting activities knowing well that they will bring desired results, making an example of Jamaica which specialises in sprints and Kenya as well as Ethiopia which specialises in long-distance races.
Mr. Maretlane also appealed for Menkhoaneng, the place where Moshoeshoe I was born to be upgraded in order to promote tourism.
Leader of the Popular Front for Democracy (PFD) Adv. Lekhetho Rakuoane said Lesotho will be commemorating its 200 years of existence, urging the Minister as soon as possible to prepare for this historic event in the country.
Adv. Rakuoane said Lesotho should also invite other countries which speak Sesotho like South Africa, parts of Zambia and Angola to be part of the 200th commemoration activities.
He said if the Minister marketed the event well, it could promote cultural tourism in which Basotho will be seen performing their various traditional songs and dances including attire which could attract other nations.
The Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sport, Arts, Culture and Social Development is mandated to among others promote sports and physical education, advocate for the rights and well-being of the aged, women and youth as well as promote culture among other things.
Source: LENA 23/03/2023
