The breakdown of Lesotho’s sole railway link is not just an infrastructure failure – it is a national crisis that lays bare the government’s chronic neglect, incompetence, and lack of strategic foresight.
This is not merely about a crumbling 2.5-kilometer track; it is about a failing state apparatus that has once again betrayed the people it is supposed to serve.
For over a century, the railway track linking Maseru Border Gate to Maseru Station has been a crucial artery for the country’s economy. It has played a fundamental role in transporting goods, particularly grain – a staple food source for thousands of Basotho.
Yet, after years of use and inadequate maintenance, the railway has deteriorated to such an extent that Transnet, the operator, was left with no choice but to halt deliveries to Lesotho Flour Mills (LFM), citing fears of derailment.
The consequence? Increased transport costs, skyrocketing food prices, and worsening food insecurity in a country already struggling to feed its people.
Reliable sources indicate that the government was repeatedly warned by Transnet about the deteriorating condition of the railway line. These warnings were met with indifference and inaction.
Instead of proactively allocating funds for maintenance, the government chose to ignore the crisis until it reached breaking point. The result is an essential supply chain collapsed, businesses were forced to resort to more expensive road transport, and consumers – already grappling with economic hardship – were left to bear the brunt of price hikes.
Even when Transnet finally suspended grain deliveries to LFM, the government failed to react with urgency. Incredibly, no budget was allocated for railway repairs in the 2024/25 fiscal year, despite the clear and immediate need.
The government took its time, dragging its feet while the cost of staple foods surged. Bread and maize meal prices climbed beyond the reach of many ordinary Basotho, deepening poverty and exacerbating the country’s food crisis.
Given the government’s gross negligence, it is only fair to ask: should the public demand compensation for the financial losses they have suffered due to its incompetence?
If a private company had failed this spectacularly, heads would roll. Lawsuits would be filed. Why should the government be held to a lower standard when its inaction has plunged the nation into deeper economic turmoil?
At the very least, the government owes the people of Lesotho an explanation, a plan, and, more importantly, immediate action. Empty promises and vague reassurances will no longer suffice. The government must demonstrate accountability and ensure that a crisis of this magnitude never happens again.
Beyond the economic impact, this railway disaster exposes a much larger problem: the government’s misplaced priorities. A functional railway system is not a luxury – it is a necessity for food security and economic stability.
When a government fails to uphold such a fundamental responsibility, it must be asked: what exactly is it prioritising? Where is public money going if not toward maintaining critical infrastructure?
Lesotho’s leaders must recognise that infrastructure failures have real human costs. Every delay in restoring the railway line translates to more hardship for the people. The longer they take, the more suffering they inflict. This crisis is a direct attack on the livelihoods and well-being of the people.
It is time to end the excuses. It is time for urgent intervention. The government must not only repair the railway line but also commit to a long-term infrastructure maintenance strategy to prevent future disasters.
Anything less is a dereliction of duty, and the people cannot afford to tolerate such failures any longer.
Authored by our expert team of writers and editors, with thorough research.
