Africa-Press – Lesotho. After more than five years without a bridge, residents of the Litenteng in Roma, less than a kilometre from Ha Mafefooane, are set to see long-awaited relief as construction of a new bridge is expected to commence early next month.
Roma Community Councillor, Mr. Sipho Ramalitse, said the project was initially scheduled to begin last week but was delayed by persistent and heavy rainfall.
Mr. Ramalitse explained that construction is now expected to start on January 5, weather permitting.
He noted that the initiative is being undertaken by the community council following the central government’s indication that funds were unavailable for the project.
Residents have endured years of hardship since the collapse of the old bridge, which was more than 40 years old and was washed away by heavy rains around 2020.
One of the affected residents, Mr. Steve Pule, said the community had previously built a makeshift footbridge using wooden materials, but it later collapsed as the structures deteriorated.
He explained that crossing the river during rainy season has since become dangerous and, at times, impossible. “If I leave home and it rains before I return, I am forced to wait until the water level drops. Otherwise, I cannot get home,” he said.
Mr. Pule added that the community sought assistance from the local Member of Parliament’s office and was referred to a Chinese construction company currently working on the St. Michael’s–Roma main road.
