MASERU — Newly elected Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) leader Mothetjoa Metsing received a rousing welcome when he visited vendors and taxi operators in Maseru on Tuesday as he stepped up his election campaign.
Metsing was elected LCD leader two weeks ago replacing Pakalitha Mosisili who defected to join the newly formed Democratic Congress party last February.
Metsing told the vendors and taxi operators that he was visiting the bus stop area to have a “feel of the environment” people in the informal sector were operating under.
He promised to improve their working conditions if they elect him into power in a general election on May 26.
“I have always heard of their dissatisfaction and the way they are treated by the authorities. I wanted to come and see for myself so that should I be voted into power, I will know exactly what I will be dealing with,”
Metsing told the Lesotho Times.
“I have learnt that their grievances are generally the same and they include working in open spaces that expose them to different weather conditions. They are exposed to extreme heat in summer and cold in winter and they do not have decent sanitation, toilets and drinking water.”
He said it was common practice for leaders to neglect voters once they are elected into office.
“We promise to fulfil their wishes and assure them that we won’t betray them if they vote for us. I came to hear their views.” But the campaign was not without incident.
In one shack, Metsing was taken aback when the owner welcomed him but went on to put on her Democratic Congress T-shirt and hat.
In another incident, another female shack owner could not hide her disgust as she ignored Metsing’s extended hand and looked away quietly.
Metsing however remained unperturbed promising the vendors that he would take their concerns into consideration if elected into office next month.
