The Right Honourable , the Prime Minister, Ntsokoane Matekane officially launched the construction of a 55-kilometre road linking Makhoabeng and Sekiring in Thaba-Tseka district.
Addressing communities from surrounding villages, Mr. Matekane said the poor state of the road had been a longstanding challenge for residents, adding that the launch marked the beginning of a new chapter that would bring relief and create opportunities for the communities.
He said the completion of the road would ease movement, remove transport-related restrictions and open up opportunities for business development and job creation.
The Prime Minister also recalled a fatal accident that had occurred along the road, noting that it might have been avoided had the road been in good condition.
He indicated that the project was expected to take two years and six months to complete, at a cost of M1.5 billion.
Moreover he revealed that 15 percent of the project had been reserved for local construction companies, while the remaining portion would be undertaken by a Chinese construction company.
Mr. Matekane appealed to the construction company to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Public Works, Hon. Nkhethoa Seetsa said the road construction project was being undertaken with assistance from the World Bank.
He also revealed that plans to rehabilitate the Maseru-Leribe road were in the pipeline.
Principal Chief of Tsikoane, Peka and Kolberg, Mrs. Pontso Seoehla-Mathealira, welcomed the road construction, expressing happiness that the long-awaited project was finally being implemented.
However, she cautioned that improved road access could also increase the risk of child kidnapping, a problem currently facing the country.
She urged parents to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children at all times.
Roads Directorate Director General, Mr. Linehella Ntsere, said the project formed part of the government’s broader plan to connect all districts of Lesotho and improve connectivity across the country.
He acknowledged that the road had been a source of hardship for communities over the years, saying it was time for the long-standing challenge to be addressed.
At the same event, the community presented the Prime Minister with a goat as a token of appreciation. In return, he donated 200 bags of sorghum and 100 bags of maize to eight villages, as well as 500 blankets for distribution to needy people.
Source: Lresotho News Agency [LENA]
