Moroke Sekoboto
TELECOMMUNICATIONS company, Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL), has welcomed the official launch of the Ha Lepolesa Base Transceiver Station (BTS), saying the new facility will significantly improve network connectivity and digital access for rural communities in Mafeteng.
The tower was commissioned on Friday by the Deputy Prime Minister, Nthomeng Majara, at a ceremony attended by the Minister of Information, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation, Nthati Moorosi, and the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane, who is also the Member of Parliament for Qalabane constituency.
The Ha Lepolesa tower is part of a wider government programme to expand telecommunications infrastructure nationwide. A total of 48 towers have been constructed by the Ministry of Information, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation, with funding support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), aimed at closing connectivity gaps in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
Speaking on behalf of ETL, the company’s General Manager for Sales and Services, Lebohang Ramaisa, praised the government for prioritising rural connectivity, describing the new tower as a catalyst for socio-economic development.
He said the infrastructure will provide surrounding villages with reliable voice services and high-speed internet, while also enabling access to digital platforms and mobile financial services such as EcoCash, which play a key role in promoting financial inclusion.
Ms Moorosi said the rollout of rural towers demonstrated the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide between urban and rural communities. She urged local residents to safeguard the infrastructure, warning that vandalism and theft of network equipment undermine national development efforts.
For her part, Dr Matlanyane said the commissioning of the tower fulfils a long-standing request from communities in Qalabane constituency, noting that improved connectivity will enhance access to government services, stimulate local economic activity and promote social inclusion.
In her keynote address, Ms Majara reiterated the government’s commitment to equitable development, saying no Mosotho should be left behind in the country’s development agenda.
The Ha Lepolesa BTS is expected to serve several villages, including Tlhakoaneng, Makaung, Ha Masiu, Likokong, Ha Motanyane, Ha Matsie, Ha Rakhapu, Ha Kotanyane, Ha Lepolesa and Qalabane, marking a significant step towards universal access to digital services in Lesotho