Maseru, Aug.14 — Residents of Ha-Koili in the Roma Valley cry foul.
They say the government and power authorities leave them in the dark while surrounding villages get modern electricity.
Families in Ha-Koili watch neighbouring settlements light up with power while they remain stuck in the dark without power lines.
Their own homes still rely on wood fires, paraffin lamps and candles hence residents feel forgotten by leaders and planners.
Community Councillor Mr. Molula Mashale questioned the fairness of regional rural electrification rollouts that skip adjacent settlements.
He said students cannot study easily at night adding that even small local business ideas fail to start without power.
Moreover, he said they also face a broken, steep road with no taxis.
He said families must walk uphill, balancing heavy grocery bags and luggage on their heads.
Another Mrs. ‘Mathabang Hlalele said their food spoils quickly because fridges do not work.
She highlighted that politicians visit during election times and promise development but once the votes are cast, the promises fade away.
Therefore the community demands answers from local councils and utility providers. They want a clear plan and a fair timeline for when power poles will reach their side of the valley.
On the other hand, efforts to speak to personnel in the Ministry of Energy were futile.
Meanwhile the government is using Rural Electrification Unit as its main vehicle for increasing access to electricity and use of PV in rural areas.
The Rural Electrification Unit (REU) is a specialized project implementing unit under the Ministry of Energy. It is tasked with expanding electricity infrastructure, increasing energy access in remote and rural communities and supporting national universal electrification goals.
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