Bereng Mpaki
INSURANCE giants, Alliance recently officially opened a shopping centre in the Mohale’s Hoek’s central business district (CBD), a strategic move that is set to drive economic development and create jobs for locals.
The complex, which houses banking and financial facilities, chain stores, hair salons and furniture shops has brought life to the usually sleepy town which has for years yearned for infrastructure.
Due to lack of infrastructure and facilities, people from the district were forced to travel to neighbouring Mafeteng or even cross to South Africa Zastron.
The complex was officially opened on Friday at an occasion graced by the Local Government and Chieftainship minister, Litšoane Litšoane, community leaders; and government and business community representatives among others.
Mr Litšoane welcomed the development which he said has provided the much-needed jobs for the people of Mohale’s Hoek.
“We are happy that this project has come to fruition, despite the usual challenges around land ownership,” Mr Litšoane.
He implored Alliance Insurance to open a similar complex in his home town of Leribe. Mr Litsoane also advised Alliance to ensure that it will charge reasonable rentals to its tenants to maximise support.
Speaking on behalf of the Principal Chief of Phamong, Nthati Bereng, ‘Matšenolo Bereng said she never imagined such infrastructural development in her lifetime.
She said the complex, which boasts of tenants such as Shoprite, Standard Lesotho Bank, Pep, Ok Furnitures and Letshego Financial Services among others, would ensure that economic activity in the district is enhanced.
“I am very happy with this development. I never imagined in my wildest of dreams to witness something of this nature happening in this district,” Ms Bereng said.
She further said she was happy that they managed to amicably deal with some initial resistance from the local business people in the area who were against development of the shopping complex.
Litšoeneong Tiheli, who spoke on behalf of the District Administrator Lira Adam, said the complex will also bring back people who had gone out of the district in search of better survival opportunities.
“This centre will not only ensure that the district’s economy circulates around here but will also encourage those who had left the district to come back home and see what opportunities they can find now that the complex is here,” he said.
Amohelang Moletsane, from the Mohale’s Hoek Development Forum, said they are pleased with the development of district, which they have awaited for a long time.
“We can only be happy when we see such a development happening within the district. We applaud the authorities who made all this possible despite the initial challenges,” Mr Moletsane said.
Shoprite Group manager, Pitso Melao, said as tenants occupying space in the complex, they are satisfied with the condition of the centre.
“We would also like to pledge to sell goods and services of standard quality to the people of Mohales Hoek,” Mr Melao said.
For his part, Mohapinyane Taole from Alliance Insurance, indicated that the complex was built to improve the country’s infrastructure for economic growth.
“This is yet another milestone achieved by Alliance in its mandate of building Lesotho and making it an attractive business destination, with the correct infrastructure necessary to fostering economic growth.
“At the core of our strategy, is also job creation, which naturally follows from the inception of each project, to completion and for many years following in to the future. Because of such projects and our passion to effect economic growth, many lives are changed for the better, and forever,” Mr Taole said.
Alliance Insurance Co. Ltd was formed in 1993, by a group of predominantly local businessmen with a vision of creating an extraordinary company to bridge the insurance gap in Lesotho.
The company is structured to promote focus on excellent service to its clients. It is also committed to creating and unlocking wealth for policyholders, investors and shareholders. The company is structured into three business units of Corporate Services, Short Term and Life divisions. It has over 80 employees and over 130 sales agents.
