Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane has pledged to construct a new woolshed in ’Melikane to ease challenges faced by livestock farmers in the area.
The Prime Minister made the commitment during the sod-turning ceremony for the Matlali–Lebakeng road upgrade project.
The issue was raised by the Member of Parliament for Lebakeng Constituency, Mr. Letsekang Moloi, and Nts’upe Community Council Chairperson, Mr. Tefo Lehakoe, who highlighted the hardships experienced by farmers due to the absence of a local woolshed.
Responding to the concerns, Mr. Matekane said the government would establish a woolshed in ’Melikane, noting that such facilities should be accompanied by adequate livestock dipping services.
“We will establish the woolshed,” he said, adding that development of woolsheds and dipping facilities goes hand in hand. He further questioned whether existing dipping facilities in the area were sufficient and stressed the need to improve agricultural infrastructure within a specified period.
Mr. Moloi said livestock farming remains the main source of livelihood for many residents of Lebakeng Constituency. He indicated that ’Melikane alone has more than 2,000 livestock, yet farmers are compelled to travel long distances to the Tsoelike woolshed for shearing services.
He said discussions previously held with the former Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition had brought the project close to implementation, adding that he believes the process will now move faster following the Prime Minister’s commitment.
Mr. Lehakoe also expressed concern over the lack of a local woolshed, saying farmers from villages such as Ha Lefaso travel long distances to access shearing services at Tsoelike.
He noted that the situation results in losses of lambs and reduced income for farmers, as some animals fail to complete the journey.
“This leads to losses of lambs and ultimately reduces financial gains in the following year,” he said, appealing for urgent intervention.
The call for a woolshed in ’Melikane has been ongoing for several years. In an earlier interview with the Agency in September 2025, ’Melikane Councillor Lehlohonolo Mahase called for the urgent construction of a local facility, citing disputes among farmers over access to the Tsoelike woolshed.
At the time, disagreements arose when the Tsoelike wool and mohair committee declined to hand over keys to the facility before completing its own shearing programme, while ’Melikane farmers demanded access first.
Mr. Mahase said the lack of a local woolshed had become a recurring source of conflict among farmers and communities.
He noted that a site for the proposed facility had been identified years ago, but no progress had been made.
The Prime Minister’s pledge has brought renewed hope to farmers in ’Melikane, who have long faced challenges associated with distance, livestock losses and limited access to shearing facilities.
Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]
