…as Road Fund marks 30-year milestone
The African Road Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA) Southern Africa Focal Group Representative, Stewart Malata of Malawi, lauded Lesotho for operating one of the region’s oldest and most consistent road funds.
Speaking during Road Fund Lesotho’s commemoration of its 30th anniversary, Malata described the Fund’s endurance as a testament to the foresight of its founders and the strength of its governance.
“Lesotho’s road financing model has set a regional benchmark,” Malata said.
“Transparent, accountable, and resilient it is an example many nations are learning from.”
Malata further called for deeper regional collaboration to future-proof infrastructure, highlighting the need for innovation, technology integration, and sustainable funding models in the face of growing pressures such as electric mobility and climate adaptation.
Speaking at the commemorative event in Maseru, Prime Minister Samuel Matekane reflected on the Fund’s transformative impact over three decades, calling the celebration not just a nod to history but a recognition of its pivotal role in Lesotho’s economic and social development.
“Good roads are not a luxury but a necessity. They connect Basotho to healthcare, education, markets and opportunity. Roads are the arteries of development, and the Road Fund has been at the centre of keeping those arteries open,” Matekane said.
The Prime Minister commended the Fund’s consistent work in financing road maintenance, enhancing road safety, and collaborating with the Roads Directorate, Maseru City Council, and the Ministry of Local Government to deliver improved infrastructure nationwide.
However, he acknowledged that challenges remain. Issues like road degradation, potholes, and flood damage, intensified by climate change and urbanization, continue to press.
He reaffirmed the government’s backing for the Fund, pledging support in three key priority areas: strengthening public-private partnerships and development collaboration, and ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of road financing.
He urged continued partnership between the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Road Fund to accelerate delivery and ensure long-term infrastructure resilience.
‘Matšepang Sekhokoane, the Road Fund’s Chief Executive Officer used the occasion to reflect on the Fund’s evolution from its establishment in 1993 into a cornerstone of Lesotho’s national development strategy.
“This anniversary is not only a celebration, but a call to action. The Fund remains committed to transparency, efficiency, innovation, and sustainability principles that are more important than ever in the face of modern challenges,” she said.
Sekhokoane noted the Fund’s focus on responding to emerging needs such as climate resilience, digital transformation, and the global shift towards electric vehicles. She pledged to deepen the Fund’s work in promoting road safety, technology adoption, and environmental stewardship.
She also expressed appreciation for the Board of Directors, staff, implementing partners, and regional bodies, including ARMFA, whose Southern Africa Focal Group representative was among the dignitaries at the event.
In a highlight of the event, Road Fund Lesotho handed over a mobile court to the National University of Lesotho (NUL), a practical initiative that merges infrastructure support with legal education.
The mobile court is intended to serve as a learning and outreach tool for law students, enabling practical training and expanding mobile justice services across the country.
Established in 1993, Road Fund Lesotho was founded to provide a sustainable and transparent financing mechanism for maintaining and improving the country’s road infrastructure. Today, it stands as a model of innovation-driven public finance and a key enabler of national connectivity and growth.
Summary
- Speaking during Road Fund Lesotho’s commemoration of its 30th anniversary, Malata described the Fund’s endurance as a testament to the foresight of its founders and the strength of its governance.
- Speaking at the commemorative event in Maseru, Prime Minister Samuel Matekane reflected on the Fund’s transformative impact over three decades, calling the celebration not just a nod to history but a recognition of its pivotal role in Lesotho’s economic and social development.
- In a highlight of the event, Road Fund Lesotho handed over a mobile court to the National University of Lesotho (NUL), a practical initiative that merges infrastructure support with legal education.
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.
