By Neo Kolane
Vodacom Lesotho has since 2019 lost M1.4 million at its broadcasting transmitter station at Ha Katamelo, Tsime in Botha Bothe.
A total of 16 solar panels worth about M19, 500 were also stolen during this period.
The principal secretary (PS) in the ministry of communications, science, technology and innovation, Kanono Ramashamole, recently told a public gathering at Ha Katamelo that the government was worried about vandalism of transmitters across the country.
Ramashamole disclosed that about 20 broadcasting stations have been vandalised over the past few years.
He appealed to villagers to refrain from such acts as it hinders the provision of telecommunication services.
Vandalising also prevents communicating through messages in times of emergencies, he added.
Vodacom Lesotho external affairs manager, Katleho Pefole, said thieves often steal cables, solar panels generators and batteries from the Ha Katamelo station.
Pefole cautioned the villagers, saying it would be difficult for the telecommunications company to continue offering services should the vandalism persists.
“We don’t want to get to a position where we have to shut down the station because of theft of our property.
“We closed our broadcasting transmitter situated in Mafeteng due to continuous vandalism and we don’t want that to happen here,” he added.
