Leribe, July 09 — With the purpose of repealing the Motor Vehicle Insurance Order of 1989, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning is engaged in the process of collecting views and recommendations on building Lesotho Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Policy of 2026 to 2031.
In fulfilling the process the Ministry on Thursday held a one day meeting with relevant stakeholders at Hlotse in Leribe.
Speaking at the meeting, District Administrator Mr. Letsema Khalanyane expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning for coming forward in gathering the people’s views and contributions to the development of the new policy.
He said it is important that the policy be conducive and accommodate every person as intended, adding that even foreign nationals need to be included into the policy so if they are involved in accidents while in the country they are entitled to compensation too.
Furthermore the District Administrator highlighted that the awareness campaigns to be held regarding the policy should be conducted soon so every mosotho gets information.
He said if ever the policy stipulates a low compensation fund, not enough for the accident victims then the review would not have served any purpose.
Speaking at the same event representative from Private Sector Development Mrs. ‘Maseeiso Lekholoane said the government is currently engaged in developing Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Policy which will later be developed into Road Compensation Fund.
She said the government is aware that the Motor Vehicle Insurance Order of 1989 has many gaps thus leaving many people without being compensated.
She said the road accidents negatively impact people’s lives, either one is left paralysed or dead and in this regard compensation is essential.
Moreover, she said the contributions of the people regarding the new policy will help not to leave anyone behind or aside.
She mentioned that the insurance is contributed by every person in the country, when buying petrol or diesel.
In conclusion, she said many people are complaining about the long compensation process.
Speaking at the same event, another representative from Private Sector Development Mr. George Senauoane said the policy deals only with cases involving deaths or injuries.
He said there are current challenges forcing the ministry to come up with the new policy, amongst them outdated legal framework and delays in claims processing.
He said lack of support for unidentified vehicle victims, absence of data management systems and limited public education or awareness campaigns were also highlighted as some of the challenges.
Mr. Senauoane said the contributions made by the stakeholders are going to assist in repealing the Motor Vehicle Insurance Order (1989).
Additionally, he said alternative funding mechanisms need to be put in place while establishing reserve funds and improving financial management systems.
He indicated that to achieve the above mentioned public awareness campaigns are essential, stakeholders partnerships, victim support programmes and integration with road safety initiatives.
Another one Ms. Kholu Mahao said the policy should also include assisting mentally impaired persons if involved in an accident or die from a motor accident.
She said usually such people are hit by vehicles and no one takes responsibility especially if they die.
One of the transport owners, Mr. Motseare Ranketoa said money collected when buying petrol or diesel should be increased.
He also suggested that vehicle dealers should also contribute a certain amount to the insurance.
The stakeholders included amongst others chiefs, community councilors, taxi associations representatives and heads of departments.
The same meeting will be held in Berea on Friday. It has been conducted in Mokhotlong and Butha Buthe.
Ends/KC/tl
