Bokang Mofoka
FOR years, residents of Ha Abia have endured a daily struggle with roads riddled with potholes so severe that motorists are forced to zigzag every few metres to avoid damaging their vehicles.
But hope has arrived in the form of one of the village’s own sons.
Medical doctor, Dr Mamphiri Ramafikeng, has donated eight truckloads of quarry material to help rehabilitate roads in the Maseru village after being shocked by the deteriorating conditions he found upon returning home earlier this year.
Dr Ramafikeng, who spent several years outside Lesotho pursuing his medical studies, said the state of the roads deeply troubled him when he finally came back home.
In some places, a vehicle could not even travel 100 metres without swerving around potholes.
The poor road network has also made life difficult for commuters, with many 4+1 taxi operators reportedly refusing to use the Ha Abia route because of the damage the roads cause to their vehicles.
Instead of merely complaining, Dr Ramafikeng decided to act.
After consulting with local chief, Chief Tšekelo Matsoso, the young doctor donated quarry material that will be shared among four roads in the village, with each road receiving two truckloads.
“When I came back, I realised the roads were in a terrible condition. I sat down with the chief and discussed how I could help improve the situation. This community raised me, so it is important for me to give back,” Dr Ramafikeng told the Lesotho Times this week.
Residents have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a rare and inspiring gesture from a young professional determined to uplift his community.
Dr Ramafikeng said the donation is only the beginning of what he hopes will become a broader effort to improve living conditions in the village.
“This is not the first time I have assisted the community, and it will certainly not be the last. I believe young people must take responsibility for developing their communities instead of waiting for someone else to do it for them,” he said.
Beyond road infrastructure, he also called on young people to unite in tackling the growing crime problem affecting many communities.
“We need young people who are committed to building safer and better villages. Development and fighting crime must go hand in hand,” he added.
Chief Matsoso praised Dr Ramafikeng’s contribution, saying such acts of generosity are uncommon among young people.
“Since I became chief of this area, this is the first gesture of its kind from a young person. It is encouraging to see someone who left to pursue his studies come back home and invest in improving the lives of others,” Chief Matsoso said.
The chief said poor roads and rising crime remain among the village’s biggest challenges.
“Our roads have been neglected for years, and crime is also increasing day by day. This donation has brought relief and hope to many people in the community,” he said.
