During the reopening of the House of the Senate from sine die, several Senators expressed appreciation for the newly tabled national budget, particularly praising allocations made to the Ministries of Agriculture, Health, and Education.
Speaking during the sitting, Senator ’Mawinnie Kanetsi applauded the Ministry of Education for allocating funds toward the revival of vocational schools.
Senator Kanetsi stated that these institutions had long been neglected as the government focused more on academic pathways, leaving behind many learners whose strengths lie in practical and technical skills.
She emphasized that reviving vocational training will not only give these young people a second chance at shaping their future but also equip them to contribute meaningfully to job creation rather than depending solely on government employment.
Turning to the health sector, Senator Kanetsi highlighted urgent areas needing attention. She pinpointed the importance of the Oncology Clinic currently under development, saying its establishment will ease the government’s financial burden, as cancer patients will no longer have to be referred across the border for treatment, an arrangement that continues to cost the state significantly.
She further stressed the dire state of Mohlomi Hospital, where many Basotho facing mental and emotional distress seek help.
Senator Kanetsi called for increased capacity, improved infrastructure, and better care systems to restore dignity and adequate service delivery at the institution.
Principal Chief Peete Lesaoana Peete also welcomed the boost given to the Ministry of Agriculture, reiterating that agriculture remains the backbone of every nation.
Chief Peete Lesaoana said Basotho farmers are capable of producing substantial quantities of food, but the recurring challenge remains obstacle to access to markets. . .
Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]
