…as Minister Moleko vows power access for all, including herd-boys in remote areas

…Mekaling MP pledges support despite political rivalry

Rethabile Pitso

A total of 750 households in remote villages of Mohale’s Hoek are set to receive electricity this year under the government’s ongoing Rural Electrification Project.

Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Mohlomi Moleko, this week officially introduced two contractors who will begin electrification works in the Mekaling and Mpharane constituencies, targeting communities that have long struggled with limited access to basic services.

The beneficiary villages span the two constituencies, which historically rank among the least developed areas in Lesotho in terms of access to electricity, water and telecommunications.

From Nkhetheng to Ha Nkoboto, residents have for years lamented the absence of electricity in homes, schools, health facilities and along major roads, a situation many say has slowed development in their communities.

Under the project, Arabian Electrics has been awarded a M25.7 million contract to electrify villages in Mpharane constituency. The villages set to benefit include Nkoboto, Patisa, Ha Sehloho, Sekhutlong, Letlapaneng, Matsekeng, Seabata and Mosotho.

Meanwhile, a separate M8 million project awarded to LR Construction, will cover several villages in Mekaling constituency, including Ha Makhaola, Ha Telite and Thoteng Ha Rashabe, with Nkhetheleng, Ha ’Makoeli and Bereng Matsoho also earmarked for connection.

Both projects are expected to commence immediately, with completion dates projected for January 2027 and March 2027 respectively.

During Monday’s launch events, Mr Moleko received a warm welcome from residents in both constituencies, many praising what they described as a departure from past political practices that allegedly sidelined opposition-held constituencies in development projects.

Mekaling Member of Parliament, Thabiso Lekitla, of the oppsotion Democratic Congress (DC), commended the minister for delivering a long-awaited service to the area and pledged his support for the initiative despite political differences.

In his remarks, Mr Lekitla said his constituency had suffered neglect under previous governments due to political considerations.

“A previous regime once attempted to bring services to this area on condition that local chiefs joined their political party. When Chief Sekhonyana refused, development projects were diverted to neighbouring areas,” Mr Lekitla claimed.

“A school, a church and a clinic were also overlooked. Today, as this service reaches our people, we hope it achieves the purpose it was intended for.”

Mr Lekitla also suggested that additional villages not currently listed be included in the project.

“There are about three villages I did not see on the plan, and I hope they will be considered even if it means reallocating funds from other projects,” he said.

He added that, as a member of the Parliamentary Natural Resources Committee, he would assist in mobilising additional funding.

“I have learned that the tourism sector intends to purchase a luxury bus that can glide over water. At this point we cannot prioritise such expensive purchases while people still live without electricity. Next week I will push for that M20 million to be redirected to your ministry to support this electrification initiative,” he said.

Mr Lekitla further urged government to ensure timely payment of contractors and strict adherence to proper employment procedures during the implementation of the project.

Speaking on behalf of the Area Chief of Phamong, Chief Theko Bereng, Chief Ntaote Bereng reflected on the long-standing hardships faced by communities in Mekaling.

“I recall many painful incidents that occurred in this area in the past, some of which even forced me to leave temporarily because of the lack of resources,” he said.

“But despite those hardships, I always found my way back because of my responsibilities to Chief Sekhonyana.”

Chief Bereng said many communities had suffered because development projects were previously influenced by political affiliations.

“It is wrong for communities to be denied services simply because they voted for a different political party. Every Mosotho has the right to vote and should not be punished for exercising that right,” he said.

He commended Mr Moleko and Energy Principal Secretary, Tankiso Phapano, for pursuing the project regardless of political considerations.

For his part, Mr Moleko reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring universal access to electricity by 2030, including households located outside the Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) grid.

“I listened carefully to the remarks made by Honourable Lekitla, and I want to emphasise that they align with the directive given to me by Prime Minister Sam Ntsokoane Matekane.

“The Prime Minister made it clear that this government serves all Basotho. Development and service delivery should not depend on political affiliation or church denomination,” Mr Moleko said in Mekaling.

Earlier in Mpharane, the minister revealed that government was also exploring ways to support herd-boys living in isolated mountain areas, many of whom live far from the national electricity grid.

“This weekend we held discussions about the plight of marginalised groups such as herd-boys who live deep in the mountains.

“We agreed that if we truly want to achieve our 2030 goal of electricity access for every Mosotho household, we must also consider those living in isolated areas.”

According to the minister, government estimates that about M34 000 is required to connect a single household to electricity under the current programme.

He added that authorities are also considering providing herd-boys with survival kits to improve their living conditions.

“These packages could include small solar panels, solar torches, solar stoves, whistles and mobile phones to help them during emergencies. These ideas are still under discussion, but they show our commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.”

Under the Rural Electrification Project, all electricity connection fees have been abolished, while communities that previously contributed funds under rural electrification schemes will be reimbursed, according to the minister.