Roads upgrade boosts Maseru economy flow

Lesotho’s ongoing road infrastructure upgrades are beginning to yield tangible progress, with the Roads Directorate reporting significant advances on two key Maseru projects aimed at improving mobility, trade efficiency and access to essential services.

During a media tour on Wednesday, the Roads Directorate showcased developments on major road rehabilitation works along the A3 and A5 corridors, while also highlighting their importance in strengthening the country’s transport network and enabling broader economic activity.

Journalists were taken to inspect repair and resealing works along the A3 road from Masianokeng to St. Michael’s, including the upgraded Masianokeng intersection.

This project is estimated to be 99 percent complete, with only minor finishing works remaining before it becomes fully operational. The upgrade of the Masianokeng intersection is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and improve road safety in the busy area, which has long experienced traffic bottlenecks and accident risks.

The media tour also assessed progress on the A5 corridor where reconstruction and rehabilitation works are currently underway on the St. Michael’s to Roma road.

The Roads Directorate indicated that the project has advanced to between 70 and 76 percent completion, marking steady progress on one of the capital’s important transport links.

A key component of the project is the construction of a two-kilometre loop road connecting St. Joseph’s Hospital to Ha Mafefooane, which is expected to improve accessibility to healthcare facilities for communities in the Roma Valley.

Both infrastructure developments are funded through the Road Fund and form part of a broader national programme aimed at restoring and modernising Lesotho’s road network to support economic growth, mobility and social services.

The reconstruction of the St. Michael’s to Roma road is valued at M140,181,315.01 and has been awarded to China Geo Engineering Corporation, with Mafube/SM Consulting Engineers Joint Venture overseeing supervision.

The project involves the comprehensive rehabilitation of an eight-kilometre stretch of road over a 15-month implementation period.

Once completed, the improved corridor is expected to strengthen connectivity between Maseru and key institutions such as the National University of Lesotho (NUL) and St. Joseph’s Hospital, while also improving access for villages located across the Roma Valley.

The upgraded road is also expected to enhance the efficiency of transport between Maseru and the southern parts of the country, including the district of Qacha’s Nek.

Assistant Resident Engineer Refiloe Mashea said the project places strong emphasis on improved road design and safety.

“One of the most important aspects of this reconstruction is the widening of the road, which improves both mobility and visibility for road users,” Mashea said.

He added that the improvements will contribute to smoother movement of people, goods and services.

The road reconstruction includes a wide range of infrastructure upgrades designed to enhance safety and durability.

Key components of the project include widening sections of the road, constructing climbing lanes on steeper sections, installing gabion walls to prevent erosion and building concrete-lined drainage systems to manage storm water.

Additional improvements include the installation of new road markings and signage, construction of cross-drainage structures, extension of paved pedestrian walkways and the development of bus bays.

Solar-powered street lighting will also be installed along certain sections of the corridor to improve visibility and safety during night-time travel.

To ensure smooth implementation of the project, the Roads Directorate began stakeholder engagement consultations in January 2025 involving the contractor, the Maseru District Administrator and street vendors operating within the road reserve.

The consultations were aimed at minimising disruptions during construction while ensuring that communities affected by the works remain informed.

Authorities have cautioned that temporary traffic delays may occur while construction is ongoing, urging motorists to exercise patience and follow traffic signage placed along the affected routes.

The Roads Directorate said the ongoing projects illustrate its commitment to strengthening Lesotho’s transport infrastructure as part of efforts to support the country’s evolving economic needs.

Seabata Mahao

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.