By Ntsoaki Masoto
MASERU
Ministry of Small Business Development, Cooperatives and Marketing has on Friday announced that it is about to venture into a big project of building business hubs for small businesses across the country.
Minister of Small Businesses Development, Cooperatives and Marketing Hon. Machesetsa Mofomobe said one of the ministry’s mandate is to facilitate a conducive and appropriate work environment for small businesses. He further said the ministry has come up with the initiative to improve their work environment. He said in order to speed up the process, so far they have approached different stakeholders who can assist them to fulfil their mission such as Ministry of Local Government which will be providing the land.
“Now we are about to venture into a pilot study from Monday where we will be travelling to each district starting in Mokhotlong, meeting street vendors and entrepreneurs,” he said. Hon Mofomobe noted that people end up buying from foreigner’s shops because they avoid buying from the vendors whose goods are not in a good condition. He said improvement of their work environment is also the improvement of their goods and market which can cause an increase in the country’s revenue.
Ministry of Small Businesses Development, Cooperatives and Marketing Principal Secretary Adv Bereng Makotoko said they will engage small business owners in finding appropriate space for the hub in each district. “We will ensure that this business hubs accommodate most of the street vendors and entrepreneurs and what is more important is making sure that the place has electricity, good sanitation and with internet connection, it should be an attractive place as well,” he said, adding that the ministry will also assist with the market for their products.
He reassured that the hub will be a safe place where they can also lock in their stock very day when they knock off.