Maseru, May 13 — Heavy rains and snowfall experienced across Lesotho in recent days have caused extensive damage to electricity infrastructure, leaving several areas without power as the Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) works to restore supply.
In an interview with the Agency, LEC Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ts’epang Lelia said the persistent heavy rains have severely affected the company’s electricity supply countrywide, damaging transformers and electricity transmission poles.
He explained that although the losses are expected to amount to millions, the company is still unable to determine the full extent of the damage as reports continue to come in from different areas.
Mr. Lelia further stated that the company is currently assessing the damages across the country and has deployed contractors and technicians, including employees who were on leave, to help restore electricity supply as quickly as possible.
He added that some affected areas remain difficult to access due to muddy and snow covered roads, slowing repair efforts. However, he said teams are working in all reachable areas to reconnect electricity.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nkeane Nkeane, a businessman from Qoaling, said his business had been without electricity for three days, with power only returning in constant interruptions.
He noted that although the cold winter weather helped preserve some products, operations at the butchery were affected, particularly when using the meat scale.
Mr. Nkeane also highlighted that thieves attempted to take advantage of the darkness by trying to rob his snooker machine but failed.
The Lesotho Meteorological Services has in recent days issued warnings of extremely cold conditions, snowfall in highland areas, and heavy rains in the lowlands, urging the public to exercise caution.
ENDS/MMK/tl
