Moroke Sekoboto
…as Matlanyane pledges electricity and clean water for every household
MINISTER of Public Works and Transport, Matjato Moteane, has launched a M547.4 million rehabilitation project for the 64-kilometre Moshoeshoe I International Airport-Mafeteng Traffic Circle road, which is expected to be completed within 36 months.
Speaking at the launch in Mafeteng this week, Mr Moteane introduced Sino Hydro Corporation Limited as the project contractor, with Mafube Consulting Engineers appointed as consultants.
He urged the contractor to ensure high-quality workmanship, durable infrastructure and meaningful involvement of local communities throughout the project.
Mr Moteane said the government wanted roads that would last longer and require minimal maintenance. He also called on the contractor to prioritise workers’ welfare and source equipment and machinery locally wherever possible.
He cited other ongoing road projects where Basotho were being engaged in blasting activities, saying the same approach should be adopted in Mafeteng to ensure local communities benefited from the investment.
“I plead with you to execute this project with integrity, due diligence and full compliance with design specifications and contractual requirements. Prioritise the safety of workers and the public, and complete the works within the agreed timeframe. Do not make the mistake of using substandard materials. If you do, the consultant will find out, and our officials have been preparing for the execution,” Mr Moteane said.
He described the project as an important component of the government’s broader strategy to improve national road infrastructure, facilitate trade and stimulate economic activity.
He added that construction would create much-needed temporary employment opportunities for residents at a time when unemployment remained high.
“The project aligns with broader national efforts to upgrade the country’s road network, directly driving economic growth and making it easier for citizens to conduct business. Infrastructure development will stimulate the local economy by providing critical short-term employment during a period of high unemployment,” he said.
Mr Moteane further instructed the contractor to allow nearby villages access to surplus quarry materials to help them improve their local roads and pathways.
He said rural communities with gravel road networks remained a priority in the government’s development agenda.
The minister also outlined other road projects being undertaken as part of the government’s efforts to improve connectivity across the country.
He said a contractor had recently been appointed to undertake major repairs, resealing and intersection upgrades on the Masianokeng road.
“Last month, we selected a contractor to undertake the reconstruction of the road connecting Mohale’s Hoek and Quthing. We also launched a major rehabilitation of the A1 Road section from the Maseru Border Post to Maqhaka.
“We intend to improve connectivity around the country. We are going to connect Leribe and Katse to Thaba-Tseka town, as well as Quthing to Qacha’s Nek. We are currently conducting feasibility studies to implement this national strategic plan,” Mr Moteane said.
Also addressing the gathering, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s vision of a better Lesotho.
Dr Matlanyane said the government was deliberately prioritising improved service delivery, particularly in road infrastructure, access to clean water and electricity.
“Today’s event reminds you of our promise. Our government is dedicated to fulfilling the Prime Minister’s dream. He is fortunate to have a team that supports him in achieving it. We are intentional about services such as water, roads and electricity. While we are not there yet, a lot of progress has been made,” Dr Matlanyane said.
She explained that her responsibility was to mobilise government revenue and ensure that public funds were spent for their intended purposes.
“My duty is to collect taxes, find money for the government and ensure that every loti is used for what it is intended for. That is what we are trying to do. While Mr Moteane gets the spotlight, there is a lot of work I do behind the scenes to ensure that ministries are able to shine,” she said.
Dr Matlanyane said the government had started its infrastructure development drive with the Tsoaing Bridge and would continue working to improve connectivity in Leribe, Mokhotlong and Thaba-Tseka.
She also made ambitious commitments on household access to basic services, pledging that every household in Lesotho would have electricity within five years and clean water within 10 years.
“In five years, every household will have access to electricity, and in 10 years, every household will have access to clean water,” Dr Matlanyane pledged.
