Prime Minister Samuel Matekane has officially handed over the Kofi Annan Road (A7) street lighting project to residents of Ha-Thetsane and surrounding communities, using the occasion to reaffirm his government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure and public safety across the country.
The handover ceremony, held at Ha-Tikoe last Friday, attracted government officials, traditional leaders and community members, many of whom hailed the project as a major boost to security and mobility in the area.
Addressing the gathering, Matekane said the completion of the lighting project formed part of a broader national campaign aimed at upgrading roads and installing street lights in communities that have long struggled with poor infrastructure and inadequate public services.
“All challenges that restrict people from performing their daily duties because of darkness, we are dealing with them,” Matekane said.
“We are in a campaign that ensures roads in villages are refurbished and completed with lighting infrastructure. This is already happening in the six constituencies where the project is being implemented.”
He said government’s infrastructure programme extends beyond street lighting and seeks to improve connectivity, safety and access to services through the construction and upgrading of roads across several constituencies.
According to the Prime Minister, the development initiative covers Maseru Central, Thetsane, Tsolo, Likotsi, Koro-Koro and Qeme constituencies, where roads are being paved and equipped with modern lighting infrastructure.
The project is intended to address longstanding challenges faced by residents who travel in poorly lit areas, particularly during the early morning and evening hours when visibility is reduced and crime risks tend to increase.
Responding to a request from local leaders, Matekane also committed government to constructing the road leading to Loretto village, assuring residents that work on the route would commence in the near future.
He further revealed that road construction was already underway from Ha-Sae in Thetsane constituency. Once completed, the road is expected to provide an alternative route for motorists entering Maseru, helping to ease traffic congestion on existing roads.
“In the next two weeks that road will be completed and fitted with lights as well,” he said.
Matekane described the projects as part of a long-term strategy to build resilient infrastructure capable of supporting economic activity and improving the quality of life for Basotho.
“This is only the beginning because this country is big and Basotho need services that can be relied upon in all weather conditions,” he said.
The Prime Minister urged communities to take ownership of public infrastructure by protecting it from vandalism and criminal activities that often undermine development efforts.
He also addressed concerns over rising unemployment and factory closures, saying government was pursuing several initiatives aimed at creating jobs and stimulating economic activity.
Among these are community-based road construction projects that provide temporary employment opportunities for local residents through labour-intensive works and the supply of quarry materials.
In a further boost to employment prospects, Matekane announced that factories located at Ha-Belo in Butha-Buthe are expected to resume operations in October.
The reopening of the factories could potentially create jobs for approximately 20,000 people, providing much-needed relief amid ongoing economic challenges.
Public Works and Transport Minister Matjato Moteane said the Kofi Annan Road lighting project represented a significant public investment in infrastructure and local development.
“We spent M36 million on this project and as the ministry we added another M7 million. In the six months of implementation, the project created employment opportunities for 104 Basotho,” Moteane said.
He said five contractors were engaged to implement the project, with four having already completed their assigned sections.
Member of Parliament for Thetsane constituency Nthati Moorosi welcomed the completion of the project, describing it as a major intervention for communities that have for years battled poor lighting and associated security concerns.
“Communities in these areas have long been vulnerable to violence because of darkness. These are hardworking people who often travel on foot and poor lighting has always been one of their biggest challenges. We are grateful because that challenge will now become a thing of the past,” Moorosi said.
Traditional leaders also welcomed the development while appealing for greater vigilance in protecting public infrastructure.
Representing the Principal Chief of Thaba Bosiu, Leloko Mohalenyane expressed concern over persistent vandalism and theft of electricity cables, warning that such acts undermine development gains and deprive communities of essential services.
“The theft of electricity cables continues to create darkness because of people who oppose development. We must work together to stop this. Development is for everyone. Parents must guide their children and help prevent destructive behaviour.”
Mohalenyane called on residents to work closely with local authorities and law enforcement agencies to safeguard public assets and ensure the sustainability of development projects.
Summary
- Prime Minister Samuel Matekane has officially handed over the Kofi Annan Road (A7) street lighting project to residents of Ha-Thetsane and surrounding communities, using the occasion to reaffirm his government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure and public safety across the country.
- The handover ceremony, held at Ha-Tikoe last Friday, attracted government officials, traditional leaders and community members, many of whom hailed the project as a major boost to security and mobility in the area.
- Addressing the gathering, Matekane said the completion of the lighting project formed part of a broader national campaign aimed at upgrading roads and installing street lights in communities that have long struggled with poor infrastructure and inadequate public services.
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.
