Lesotho Develops National Emergency Telecommunications Plan to Strengthen Disaster Preparedness

Lesotho is taking steps to strengthen its disaster preparedness and emergency response systems through the development of a National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP). The Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation (MICSTI), through the Department of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), is hosting a two-day stakeholders’ workshop in collaboration with the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA). The initiative aims to establish a coordinated framework for ensuring reliable telecommunications services during emergencies and disasters. It recognises that effective communication is essential for sharing information, coordinating emergency services and protecting lives when unexpected events occur. Through the development of the NETP, Lesotho seeks to improve national resilience by ensuring that communication systems remain reliable, accessible and better prepared to withstand disruptions.

During his opening remarks, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Lesotho Communications Authority, Mr. Mangangole Tsikinyane, emphasised the critical role of telecommunications in disaster management. He described communication networks as lifelines during emergencies because they enable authorities, emergency responders and affected communities to exchange important information. Reliable telecommunications allow people to receive warnings, request assistance and obtain updates about dangerous situations. They also help government institutions coordinate their responses and communicate instructions to the public. His remarks highlighted the importance of treating telecommunications infrastructure as a critical component of national emergency preparedness.

Mr. Tsikinyane explained that disasters, severe climate events and system failures can disrupt communication networks, creating serious challenges for emergency response operations. When connectivity is interrupted, emergency services may struggle to communicate with one another, receive reports or coordinate assistance in affected areas. Disruptions can also affect financial institutions and other essential services that depend on telecommunications infrastructure to operate. Most importantly, communication failures can put human lives at risk by preventing people from accessing emergency information and requesting timely assistance. These risks demonstrate why countries need clear plans for maintaining communication services and restoring connectivity when disasters occur.

The importance of emergency telecommunications becomes particularly evident during severe weather events and other major emergencies. Floods, storms and other climate-related hazards can damage infrastructure, interrupt electricity supplies and affect the availability of mobile and internet services. In situations where normal communication channels become unavailable, emergency responders need alternative arrangements to maintain contact and coordinate their activities. A national emergency telecommunications framework can help establish procedures for responding to these challenges and managing communication resources during crises. It can also support better preparation by identifying vulnerabilities before disasters occur.

Mr. Tsikinyane stressed that building national resilience requires deliberate coordination and collaboration among different stakeholders. He identified policymakers, technology experts, telecommunications regulators, disaster management authorities and international partners as important participants in the process. Each group has a different responsibility in ensuring that emergency communication systems function effectively. Policymakers provide the necessary policy direction, technical experts contribute knowledge about telecommunications infrastructure, while regulators support the development of appropriate industry arrangements. Disaster management authorities play an important role in coordinating emergency response requirements and ensuring that communication systems support operational needs.

He further highlighted the importance of the initiative in supporting the domestication of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Model on the National Emergency Telecommunications Plan. This regional framework provides a basis for countries to develop national approaches to emergency telecommunications that reflect recognised regional priorities. Domestication involves adapting the model to the country’s institutional arrangements, infrastructure and specific disaster management needs. For Lesotho, this process provides an opportunity to establish a national framework that connects telecommunications planning with emergency preparedness and response. It also supports regional cooperation by encouraging greater consistency in how countries approach emergency communication challenges.

Regional cooperation is important because disasters and emergencies can create challenges that extend beyond national borders. Countries within the SADC region face different environmental and infrastructure risks, but they share the need for reliable communication systems during emergencies. Cooperation can help strengthen the exchange of technical knowledge, improve coordination and support the development of compatible emergency communication arrangements. By aligning its national planning with the SADC model, Lesotho can contribute to broader regional efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness. This approach also provides an opportunity to learn from regional experiences and apply relevant practices to the country’s own circumstances.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Mr. Khiba Masiu, clarified the respective responsibilities of the institutions involved in developing and implementing the plan. He explained that the Department of ICT will provide technical support during the process, while the Disaster Management Authority (DMA) will be responsible for implementing the plan. This distinction is important because successful emergency planning requires clear institutional roles and accountability. Technical support from the ICT Department will help ensure that telecommunications considerations are properly addressed throughout the planning process. The DMA’s implementation responsibility will connect the plan to the country’s wider disaster management arrangements.

The involvement of the Disaster Management Authority is particularly important because emergency telecommunications must support practical disaster response activities. During emergencies, disaster management authorities need reliable channels to communicate with response teams, government institutions and affected communities. They also require timely information to assess situations, coordinate resources and determine appropriate interventions. A clearly defined emergency telecommunications plan can help establish how communication services should be used and coordinated during such situations. It can also support more effective cooperation between disaster management officials and telecommunications stakeholders.

The two-day workshop focuses on reviewing the draft National Emergency Telecommunications Plan and identifying priority gaps that need to be addressed. Participants are expected to examine the proposed framework and consider whether it adequately reflects Lesotho’s emergency communication requirements. The discussions also aim to strengthen coordination among the institutions and organisations responsible for different aspects of emergency telecommunications. Identifying gaps at this stage is important because it allows stakeholders to address weaknesses before the plan moves into implementation. The consultation process therefore provides an opportunity to improve the draft through technical input and shared institutional experience.

Another key objective of the workshop is to develop an implementation plan containing clear activities, responsibilities and timelines. This is an important step towards ensuring that the NETP becomes a practical framework rather than remaining a policy document. Clearly defined activities will help stakeholders understand the actions required to achieve the plan’s objectives. Assigning responsibilities will establish which institutions must lead or support particular activities, while timelines will provide a basis for tracking progress. These elements can also strengthen accountability and make it easier to identify delays or implementation challenges.

The development of a National Emergency Telecommunications Plan also highlights the importance of protecting critical telecommunications infrastructure. Mobile networks, internet services and other communication systems support essential activities across the economy and public sector. Their disruption can affect emergency response operations, financial transactions, public information services and communication between institutions. Planning for emergencies therefore requires an understanding of the infrastructure risks that could interrupt connectivity. It also requires cooperation between government authorities, telecommunications operators and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen preparedness and support service continuity.

Reliable emergency communication systems can also improve how information reaches the public during disasters. Communities need timely and accurate information about potential hazards, evacuation instructions and available emergency assistance. Without effective communication channels, people may struggle to understand the seriousness of a situation or know what actions to take. A well-coordinated emergency telecommunications framework can support the dissemination of warnings and other critical information through available communication systems. This can help reduce confusion and improve the ability of communities to respond appropriately when emergencies arise.

The proposed NETP is also relevant to Lesotho’s broader efforts to strengthen resilience against climate-related risks. Severe weather events and other environmental emergencies can place pressure on infrastructure and essential public services. Communication systems must therefore be prepared to operate under challenging conditions and support the needs of emergency responders. Planning for such situations requires consideration of network vulnerabilities, alternative communication arrangements and coordination procedures. By addressing these issues, Lesotho can strengthen its ability to manage emergencies while reducing the risks associated with communication disruptions.

The collaboration between MICSTI, the Department of ICT and the Lesotho Communications Authority demonstrates the importance of institutional partnerships in developing effective national infrastructure policies. The participation of the Disaster Management Authority and other stakeholders will also be essential in ensuring that the plan responds to actual emergency management requirements. Telecommunications expertise must be connected with operational disaster response knowledge to produce a framework that can work during real emergencies. International and regional partnerships can further contribute technical guidance and support the alignment of national arrangements with recognised practices. Such cooperation provides a foundation for developing a more coordinated and resilient emergency communication system.

The workshop also creates an opportunity for stakeholders to establish a common understanding of the challenges facing emergency telecommunications in Lesotho. Different institutions may have different operational requirements, technical capabilities and responsibilities during disasters. Bringing these stakeholders together allows them to discuss their needs and identify areas where cooperation can be improved. It also encourages a shared approach to planning, preparedness and response. The quality of these discussions will be important in shaping an implementation framework that is realistic, coordinated and responsive to national priorities.

The development of the National Emergency Telecommunications Plan represents an important step towards strengthening Lesotho’s ability to respond to disasters and other emergencies. Through the collaboration of MICSTI, the Department of ICT, the Lesotho Communications Authority and the Disaster Management Authority, the initiative seeks to improve coordination and ensure that telecommunications systems can better support emergency operations. The workshop’s focus on reviewing the draft plan, identifying gaps and establishing clear implementation responsibilities will help lay the groundwork for practical action. As climate-related events, infrastructure failures and other emergencies continue to present risks, reliable communication systems remain essential for protecting communities and maintaining critical services. Ultimately, the success of the NETP will depend on effective implementation, sustained stakeholder cooperation and a shared commitment to ensuring that no communication failure unnecessarily compromises emergency response or human life in Lesotho.