02 Nov 2015

Current street lights will be replaced by solar lights to conserve power and save millions.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology (MIST), Mr Nonofho Molefhi told a kgotla meeting in Molepolole recently that the government has already taken the decision to replace street lights with those using solar energy.

The minister noted that solar operated street lights would conserve the national grid electricity and diversify the economy.

He also urged residents to share skills which could help diversify the economy of the country, adding that those who have innovative ideas would be rewarded according to the uniqueness and value of their skills.

He said his ministry plans to have laboratories where research on products such as ‘sengaparile,’ could be conducted in order to find out how they could be improved and utilised to further diversify the economy. He noted that some of the end products could be exported.

“We should find out whether things which we used to survive by in the past could still help us, and how to improve on them,” said Mr Molefhi.

Minister Molefhi said his ministry was mandated to provide infrastructural and technological services, including radiation protection. 

He said it was also tasked with liaising with ministries on the construction of government facilities. He added that other ministries consult them whenever they want to build a facility. He said they make an assessment on what would be required and engage the contractors. 

On radiation protection, Mr Molefhi said they ensure that facilities which use radiation were not emitting extra rays, which could be harmful to people. 

The minister added that they have the authority to shut down facilities which misuse nuclear energy or emit more rays than permitted. 

Mr Edwin Motlhabane, a youth from Molepolole, wanted to find out whether residents would benefit from the planned Economic Stimulus Programme.

In his response, Mr Molefhi assured residents that they would also benefit from the programme. He said tenders would be awarded following government procedures on procurement. Ends