The Roads Directorate said a World Bank implementation support mission led by Ms. Wei Yan visited Lesotho as part of ongoing support to the Lesotho Integrated Transport, Trade and Logistics Project (LITTL), which seeks to improve the country’s trade competitiveness and transport efficiency.
According to Roads Directorate Corporate Communications Manager, Mrs. Nosezolo Mpopo, the mission engaged government counterparts and key stakeholders to assess implementation progress, address operational challenges and support the timely delivery of project activities.
Mrs. Mpopo said the mission focused on providing technical and operational support to accelerate procurement processes and resolve challenges under Component One of the project. She says the team also clarified implementation arrangements for the aviation component to ensure smooth coordination between the Roads Directorate, Airport Services and the wider aviation sector.
She further noted that the mission reviewed progress under Component Two, particularly on customs administration, trade facilitation and the Smart One Stop Border Post initiative at the Maseru and Maputsoe border crossings.
Mrs. Mpopo said the World Bank delegation met the Minister of Public Works and Transport to provide updates on progress across key components of the LITTL Project and discuss possible areas for further engagement in support of the transport sector.
During the week-long visit, the mission conducted site inspections at Moshoeshoe I International Airport, the A1 Road at Lekokoaneng earmarked for spot improvements, the Ha Nyenye intersection in Maputsoe and the A8 intersection in Hlotse, all scheduled for upgrades.
Mrs. Mpopo pointed out that the LITTL Project is intended to improve climate-resilient regional connectivity along the Katse–Thaba-Tseka Road corridor, strengthen logistics efficiency and enhance border processes in Maseru, Maputsoe, Caledonspoort and Qacha’s Nek.
She added that the project also seeks to improve the functionality, safety and security of Moshoeshoe I International Airport while strengthening the aviation sector’s capacity to meet international standards.
The project is financed through the World Bank’s International Development Association with 80 million US dollars, in partnership with OPEC, which is contributing 40 million US dollars.
Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]
