Heavy rains that have caused rivers and streams to overflow on Friday prevented the majority of students from accessing three schools at Pulane in Ha-Mosiuoa, Berea district.
This was revealed by Ha-Mosiuoa Electoral Division (ED) Community Councillor, Mrs. Mataele Machepha, in an interview with the Agency on Friday.
Mrs. Machepha explained that Pulane has several streams and rivers without footbridges, making them dangerous to cross during heavy rains, even for adults. As a result, many students were unable to attend school.
She said the schools within her electoral division include Nkoe-Moshoeshoe Primary School, Pulane Roman Catholic Church Primary School and Pulane Combined High School. She noted that during extreme weather conditions such as heavy rains, the safety of children becomes compromised.
Mrs. Machepha further indicated that there have been several incidents in which children were reportedly washed away by overflowing rivers. She added that last year one student was swept away by a river and his body has still not been recovered.
She also highlighted the challenge posed by the unfinished Ha-Khoalibane Bridge project, noting that if it had been completed within the scheduled timeframe it could have greatly assisted the community.
Mrs. Machepha said the community councils are appealing to the government to allocate funds that will enable them to implement rural development plans, including the rehabilitation of access roads and construction of footbridges.
Meanwhile, the Lesotho Meteorological Services (LMS) has issued a red alert warning of scattered to widespread rainfall from Thursday to Friday, with the possibility of heavy rainfall in some areas that may lead to localized flooding.
According to LMS projections, weather conditions are expected to improve on Saturday, with partly cloudy skies and mild to warm temperatures, though cooler conditions are expected in some highland areas, with a 20 percent chance of isolated showers.