…as Roads Directorate warns motorists to exercise caution
Moroke Sekoboto
THE Roads Directorate has issued a high-priority warning to motorists and the general public following severe structural damage to several key gravel and dirt roads across the country.
Weeks of relentless heavy rainfall have caused ground cracks and the collapse of vital culverts and drainage ditches (drifts), leaving several routes hazardous or impassable.
The Directorate said the highlands and southern regions are the worst affected.
The compromised routes include:
Thaba-Tseka and Qacha’s Nek: Major cracks at Matebeng (linking Thaba-Tseka and Qacha’s Nek) and Ha Shoaepane (linking Thaba-Tseka and Mokhotlong).
Maseru District: Damage reported at Ha Ramatekane (Morija–Tsoeneng), Ha Khoeli–Rantshetse, Kokolobeng (Nyokosoba–Ha Mofoqohi), Makhaleng–Ribaneng, and Ntshupe–Ha Ramabanta.
Southern Districts: Infrastructure failure at Maphutsing Bridge (Setanteng, Mohale’s Hoek) and the Maralleng–Tosing road in Quthing.
Butha-Buthe: Significant damage on the Serutle–Manamela and Moroeroe–Paballong routes.
Roads Directorate Corporate Communications Manager, Nozesolo Mpopo, said technical teams would be deployed shortly to carry out urgent repairs aimed at restoring connectivity and ensuring traveller safety. She cautioned, however, that the risk of further collapse or landslides remained high until repairs were completed.
“Drivers and the general public are strongly advised to use alternative routes and exercise extreme caution. Avoid travelling on roads prone to landslides and do not attempt to cross damaged drifts during heavy flow,” Ms Mpopo said.
She also said the continued soil saturation had made dirt and gravel roads particularly unstable, urging travellers to monitor local weather reports and official updates before embarking on journeys through affected districts.
“The Roads Directorate has noted cracks and damage to culverts and drifts on several gravel and dirt roads due to the heavy rains of the past few weeks. The agency is committed to carrying out urgent repairs to restore connectivity and ensure safe travel,” Ms Mpopo said.
