Tucked deep in the rugged mountains of Leribe district, the remote village of Ha Palama is not the kind of place where corporate headlines are usually made.
The journey there, along narrow gravel roads navigable only by sturdy 4×4 vehicles, paints a vivid picture of the isolation that has long defined the community’s daily life.
But, last Friday, the village came alive with rare celebration and renewed hope, as Alliance Insurance officially handed over a brand-new police post to replace the crumbling, decades-old structure that had been the face of law enforcement in the area.
The handover, carried out under Alliance’s corporate social responsibility efforts was far more than a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. It was a moment that stitched together community aspiration, corporate responsibility, and national development in a powerful narrative of progress.
For years, the Palama Police Post had been a modest, deteriorating structure, one that offered little dignity to the officers stationed there, and even less assurance to the residents who depended on them.
Cramped rooms, leaky roofs, and limited facilities were the daily reality. Officers often struggled to respond quickly to crimes or emergencies, hindered not just by distance but by inadequate working conditions.
To the community, this meant a sense of vulnerability, slow response times, limited visibility of law enforcement, and a nagging fear that safety was a privilege reserved for those in towns and cities.
The gleaming new structure now standing in Ha Palama turns that narrative on its head. With modern design, functional workspaces, and an emphasis on accessibility, the police post is a statement that says safety, dignity, and service delivery matter, even in the country’s most remote corners.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Alliance Insurance’s Financial Director, Mohapinyane Taole, highlighted the spirit behind the project.
“This marks not merely the transfer of bricks and mortar, but the realisation of a shared vision, a modern, secure, and humane workplace that empowers our officers to serve the public with efficiency, integrity, and compassion.” Taole said.
He stressed that the initiative was not charity, but a reinvestment in the very communities that had supported Alliance’s growth over the years.
“Alliance Insurance exists because of the people. Through Invest Back Initiative, we make sure that our growth translates into tangible benefits for communities,” he added.
For the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) management, the new facility represents a lifeline.
Borotho Matsoso, the Commissioner of Police expressed heartfelt appreciation, stating that the new office is perhaps the greatest gift the Palama Police have received since establishing operations in the area.
“This building is more than just an office; it is a beacon of safety. It gives our officers the proper environment to serve and gives the community renewed confidence that their safety matters,” Matsoso said.
On their part, the Ha Palama residents, who have long felt cut off from the mainstream of national development, found the moment was deeply personal.
Community member ‘Malerato Pulumo captured their collective relief and joy over the new police offices in their midst.
“For us, this is a blessing. Having a proper police post nearby means quicker response times, less crime, and more peace of mind. We are truly grateful to Alliance Insurance for remembering our community.”
The day ended with singing, ululations, and the pride of a people who now feel safer, more visible, and more connected to the rest of the country.
The Palama Police Post is part of a broader story of how Lesotho’s corporate sector is beginning to reimagine its role in society. Alliance’s Invest Back Initiative has extended support to education, healthcare, and rural infrastructure in other parts of the country, signaling a long-term commitment to grassroots development.
Summary
- But, last Friday, the village came alive with rare celebration and renewed hope, as Alliance Insurance officially handed over a brand-new police post to replace the crumbling, decades-old structure that had been the face of law enforcement in the area.
- To the community, this meant a sense of vulnerability, slow response times, limited visibility of law enforcement, and a nagging fear that safety was a privilege reserved for those in towns and cities.
- “This marks not merely the transfer of bricks and mortar, but the realisation of a shared vision, a modern, secure, and humane workplace that empowers our officers to serve the public with efficiency, integrity, and compassion.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
