Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Ministry of Water launched a water supply implementation and renewal system at ‘Mahuu, Rothe on Friday. The area has been without water since tanks of community taps were blocked while some broke, about 15 years ago.
This left villagers with nearby ponds and rivers as their primary source of water. Speaking at the launch, the village Chief Tlali Mohapinyane expressed gratitude to the ministry, saying that washing hands as a precautionary measure
against Covid19, is a challenge for them to adhere to, as they strive to save the little water they get from the ponds. Water committee member at ‘Mahuu,
Hlapane Sehlooho thanked the ministry, saying that they anticipate the completion of the project. Sehlooho said, “Water is life. There is a lot we could do with
water in the entrepreneurial space and to live a healthy life and, survive COVID-19. This launch is going to completely change our lives,” he indicated.
The chairperson of Lilala council, Moleleki Molikeng stressed the struggle around the area, explaining that people at Thupa Likara use donkeys to draw water from Mohokare river.
“Old people spend their pension funds paying boys to
fetch water for them,” said Molikeng. He further urged contractors to consider surrounding community members for labour services. Also present at the gathering that
comprised of government officials, water committees and community leaders within Rothe constituency, was the Minister of Energy and Meteorology, Hon. Mohapi Mohapinyane.
He pleaded with the water ministry to avail temporary water sources to assist villagers in the meantime. “In Maseru district, Rothe constituency has been reported to be the driest land.
I am sincerely fulfilled that finally, this struggle will be over,” Mohapinyane mentioned. The Deputy Minister of Water, Hon. Lepota Sekola took over to introduce 3 construction companies that will be
responsible for developments. These are KEM Buildings & Civil Construction, Jolith Holdings and J&T Construction Engineering, will work on solar pumping systems, hand
pumps and gravity systems through the help of villagers. Sekola urged that these developments be seen as a job opportunities to be celebrated by villagers.
“All we want from villagers is cooperation for work to hasten. There is a tendency of laziness in most communities with a plan to prolong their working period. We humbly request that
you work on demand for projects to be completed,” said Kolisang Maliehe, KEM Buildings & Civil Construction contractor. These projects have been organised by
village water committees, that will also provide contractors with site participants’ databases. Twelve villages to benefit from the projects include Ha-Ramorakane, Khabisi, ‘Mahuu, Ha –Setho and Rothe.
Meanwhile,the Ministry of Water is on expedition to assist areas that have been badly affected by drought in the country. This week similar projects of water supply and community tap rehabilitation will be launched in Mohale’s Hoek Taung Ha Pii and Malumeng Thabana Morena in Mafeteng district.
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