Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara has told the contractor that has been handed a M796 million road rehabilitation job, and the officials who must supervise it, that the money must buy quality work delivered on time.
Speaking at Ha Foso, where she announced that China Geo-Engineering Corporation Lesotho has won the contract, Majara said the government expects value for the public funds it is spending.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s comments come after China Geo returned to redo work on a 2022 contract it was awarded to rehabilitate the A1 road between Ha ‘Malesaoana and the Botha-Bothe traffic circle. The M214 million tender was expected to be completed within 18 months.
Potholes began to form not long after the road was completed, and the company is now back on site redoing it. This time, the foundation is visibly much deeper than it was the first time.
“The government is investing such a substantial amount of money and the expectation is that the contractor will deliver high-quality work within the stipulated timeframe,” Majara said.
She said the quality of the work and sticking to the agreed timeframe would decide whether the project succeeds, and that the investment must bring real benefits to Basotho.
Majara also put the Roads Directorate on notice, calling on its officials to monitor the contractor closely throughout construction.
“We expect the Roads Directorate to remain vigilant and ensure that the contractor delivers work that meets the required standards. This is a significant investment of public funds, and it must produce infrastructure that serves the people of Lesotho,” she said.
The contract is to rehabilitate a 22-kilometre section of the A1 road from the Maseru Border Post to Maqhaka, and an 800-metre stretch of Pioneer Road in Maseru, from the Lancers Inn intersection to the Pioneer Mall traffic circle.
The work is expected to take 30 months and will be supervised by Elite Consulting Engineers. It will be paid for from the Government of Lesotho’s main budget.
Majara said the project follows the mandate Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane gave the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to improve road access and make sure development benefits communities across the country.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the repairs would help move goods, particularly between Maseru and Leribe, where several businesses produce for local consumption and international markets.
“The A1 Road is important to the movement of goods and the growth of our economy. Improving this route will make transportation more efficient and help businesses move their products to their intended destinations,” she said.
She added that the government’s long-term goal is to rehabilitate the A1 fully up to Mokhotlong District.
The A1 is a major corridor, carrying heavy truck traffic through the main border posts at Maseru and Maputsoe. Freight from Leribe businesses goes by road to the port of Durban in South Africa for shipment abroad. The route also carries construction materials for the Polihali Dam project and gives access to mining operations in Mokhotlong. The repairs are therefore expected to ease the movement of goods and people and support trade, construction and mining.
Minister of Public Works and Transport Matjato Moteane said the government has moved past planning and is now carrying out its infrastructure agenda.
“The government has reached the implementation stage of its plans to improve infrastructure and service delivery. What is important now is to ensure that these projects are implemented effectively and deliver the intended benefits to the people,” Moteane said.
He said cooperation among ministries and institutions was essential.
“We need coordinated efforts among government ministries to ensure that projects designed to improve the livelihoods of Basotho achieve their objectives. Cooperation is important if we are to deliver meaningful and lasting development,” he said.
Summary
- The Deputy Prime Minister’s comments come after China Geo returned to redo work on a 2022 contract it was awarded to rehabilitate the A1 road between Ha ‘Malesaoana and the Botha-Bothe traffic circle.
- She said the quality of the work and sticking to the agreed timeframe would decide whether the project succeeds, and that the investment must bring real benefits to Basotho.
- The contract is to rehabilitate a 22-kilometre section of the A1 road from the Maseru Border Post to Maqhaka, and an 800-metre stretch of Pioneer Road in Maseru, from the Lancers Inn intersection to the Pioneer Mall traffic circle.
A passionate and dedicated journalism practitioner with an interest in telling stories that inform, educate and give people a voice.
Committed to producing credible and meaningful journalism while continuously improving research, writing and communication skills. Eager to learn from experienced media professionals, take on new challenges and grow into a well-rounded journalist who makes a positive contribution to society through responsible reporting.
