Africa-Press – Lesotho. Friday, December 19, a joyous day for the community of Ha-Mokhele Rothe as they gathered in large number together with cabinet ministers, senior government officials and Members of Parliament at the football ground to witness the hand over of electrification project by Prime Minister Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane.
The project financially supported by World Bank to the tune of M50 million is going to benefit about 1,447 households.
In his remarks Prime Minister Matekane said handing over electricity project to the Rothe community is one the things they promised Basotho when took power. He said as government, they will continue electrification projects until every Mosotho has access to electricity.
He said he was thankful for the communities of Liqoabing, Ts’oeneng Rothe who are beneficiaries to this project.
He indicated that to enhance and ensure expansion of electricity supply, there are projects currently continuing in Qacha’s Nek and Mokhotlong.
He added that they are working hard to ensure that by 2030 every household will have electricity which will be made possible through funding from the government and development partners.
He appealed to the community to protect electricity equipment saying vandalization destroys development and at the same time wastes public funds.
On the other hand, World Bank Representative Ms. Dinara Djoldosheva said this represents meaningful achievement for Rothe and Lesotho.
She said this milestone is significant in national context saying today about half of Basotho have access to electricity however, the rural community still lacks behind.
She said the Rothe electrification presents national priorities such as community development and indicating that World Bank is committed to continue supporting Lesotho.
Moreover, Principal Chief, Chieftainess Nthupi Bereng commended the government for finally providing electricity in the area saying this is an honour and privilege to them.
Furthermore, Member of Parliament Mr. Lebohang Phohleli said he is thankful that finally the area has electricity saying however there are only few villages left which still do not have electricity.
He said Rothe has lack of access bridge to ensure safety of community especially children as they have to cross the river to go to school.
Lesotho’s electricity sector relies on ‘Muela hydropower but struggles to meet demand, leading to significant imports from South Africa, especially for peak loads, with only about 50% national access, starkly lower in rural areas.
The government and partners are developing renewables (solar, wind, hydro) via Lesotho Electricity Generation Company (LEGCO) and projects like OnePower to boost local generation, expand rural access with mini-grids, and reduce import dependency, aiming for energy security and potential energy exports.
Rothe is located about 45km south of Maseru.
