LESOTHO n = 20 Yes No 2. A description of the organisation’s powers and structure, as well as its functions and responsibilities? X 3. A list of laws, acts, etc, issued within the scope of its powers? X 4. Copies of reports, policies or programmes? X 5. Information on budget and expenditure? X 6. Information about procurement procedures or signed contracts? X 7. Information about vacancy and employment procedures? X 8. The address, telephone number, and working hours of the organisation? X 9. The contact details of specific public officials? X Partial Additional information X 10. A mechanism to request and receive responses to electronic messages and requests for information? Total score: 4/20 CATEGORY 2: REQUEST FOR INFORMATION A request for the following information was sent to Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology: Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, what has been its impact on: ¾ The ministry’s daily or basic functions? ¾ The information dissemination? ¾ Have there been any reported cases amongst members of staff or their close contacts? ¾ To what extent could you say that the ministry’s strategies and plans are responsive to the public’s access to information needs? ¾ What has influenced the recent plan to centralise government’s information management by ensuring that all ministries’ information officers are answerable to the Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology? ¾ When did this initiative start? ¾ What will be its advantages and/or disadvantages? ¾ How is it being received by respective ministries as well as the information officers themselves? ¾ On a scale of 1-10, how efficient is the Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology in serving the public? y n = 20 10 Yes 1. Is there an official, who is designated to take and respond to information requests? X 2. Did the organisation reply within 21 days? X 3. Did the organisation respond to the request for information? X 4. Does the organisation publish their procedures for handling information requests? 5. Did the organisation provide all of the requested information? 6. Did the organisation provide written reasons for the refusal of information? No Partial Additional information Director of Information X X X