Moroke Sekoboto
MOTORISTS can now enjoy significantly improved traffic flow in and out of Maseru via Kofi Annan Road (A7), following the official opening of the now wider, rehabilitated Maseru Mall traffic circle.
The Roads Directorate’s Corporate Communications Manager, Nozesolo Mpopo, said while the intersection is now fully operational, final works such as drainage, road markings, and signage are scheduled for completion by next month.
Roads Directorate is a semi-autonomous government institution established in 2010 mandated to plan, develop, and maintain the national road network, while also carrying out quality assurance for all road infrastructure.
Ms Mpopo said the traffic circle upgrade forms part of the broader rehabilitation of the Moshoeshoe (A6) and Kofi Annan (A7) roads. Initially set for completion in February 2025, the project has now been extended to November 2025.
“The scope of this project also includes the formalisation of the Seputana cross-junction and drainage improvements at various intersections along the Kofi Annan Road, as well as on the A2 Road at the Thabong traffic circle, Lekhaloaneng, and Ha Motšoeneng intersections,” Ms Mpopo said in a statement issued this week.
She said remaining works include the rehabilitation of service roads at Ha Tsolo, final road markings, and the installation of road signage.
The M283,521,859.05 project is being implemented by Unik Botswana Construction Engineering (Pty) Ltd, and was designed and is being supervised by Zutari Lesotho (Pty) Ltd.
Ms Mpopo highlighted the strategic importance of the 20-kilometre Kofi Annan Road, originally constructed in the late 1990s by the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority.
The road serves as a vital bypass around Maseru, linking Kingsway Road (from Maseru Bridge) to the A2 Road at Masianokeng, while also providing access to the Thetsane and Tikoe industrial zones, as well as multiple other surrounding villages.
“Last rehabilitated in 2007, the road also bypasses the city and serves the Maseru industrial area. The rehabilitation of both roads is a strategic initiative by the Roads Directorate aimed at enhancing trade facilitation, reducing travel times, and improving road safety,” she said.
