Qacha’s Nek, Jan. 29 — The Government of Lesotho has allocated approximately M182.5 million for the rehabilitation of the A4 road from the Mpiti to Sehlabathebe junction to the Qacha’s Nek Border Gate, covering about 12 kilometres.
The eight months project will be implemented by Qingjian Group Co. Ltd (CNQC), a Chinese owned company that previously constructed the Makhaola Lerotholi Highway, popularly known as the Mpiti to Sehlabathebe road.
Recruitment and registration of unskilled labourers, capped at a maximum of 200 people, took place from Wednesday, January 28 to Thursday at Pheellong and Melele grounds.
Thursday’s recruitment exercise, overseen by government officials, local leaders and CNQC representatives, attracted hundreds of job seekers.
Some arrived as early as Wednesday evening and spent the night at the sites despite persistent rainfall, determined to be among the first in line.
In his welcome remarks, District Administrator Habofanoe Pheku said the government had prioritised road infrastructure development in Qacha’s Nek to address accessibility challenges and job creation.
“This is not a big road, therefore it will not be able to absorb all of you in these large numbers. Even if we wanted to employ everyone, it is not possible,” he said.
He outlined four major infrastructure projects earmarked for the district, the Mpiti to Border Gate rehabilitation, the Ts’epeng, Waterfall to Ha Mosuoe road, the upgrading of the Ha Matlali to Lebakeng road which includes two bridges, and the construction of the Whitehill to Tebellong bridge.
“These projects mean job creation, if you are not recruited today, do not lose hope. You may still be hired elsewhere,” Pheku said.
Pheku explained that the Mpiti to Border Gate project would not employ more than 200 people, as much of the work requires machinery rather than manual labour.
He added that beneficiaries would mainly be drawn from communities living close to the road, while larger projects, such as the Ha Matlali to Lebakeng upgrade, would employ more workers.
He further stated that an agreement had been reached among councillors, chiefs and other relevant stakeholders to guide recruitment transparently.
“Share the jobs,” he said, urging residents to congratulate those who would be hired.
Senior Human Resource Officer at the Roads Directorate in Maseru, Moloantoa Rakhoarai, said recruiting workers aged 18 to 60 from nearby villages was necessary to avoid challenges such as late arrivals, absenteeism and safety risks linked to long travel distances.
“We are not discriminating, we are prioritising safety and reliability,” he said.
Rakhoarai cautioned the community against politicising the project, stressing that it was purely a development initiative. He also warned workers against wearing political party regalia at work, saying it could create unnecessary conflict.
He appealed to women to take care of themselves and their families during the project period and cautioned against behaviour that could lead to the spread of illnesses. He further advised workers to avoid personal entanglements, particularly relationships that could result in pregnancies.
“We are here to support development, not create problems. Good behaviour is vital at work,” he said.
Rakhoarai added that pregnant women and individuals with illnesses that could hinder their ability to work would not be recruited, in order to protect their health. He also emphasised that drug use at work is strictly prohibited.
He said payments would be aligned with the Labour Wage Gazette, which currently sets the minimum wage for unskilled labour at M3,250, noting that contractors were free to pay above the minimum.
He added that workers would be deployed in teams, leaving once their tasks are completed.
In an interview with the Agency, one of the job seekers who spent the night at the recruitment station, Maipato Nkhahle of Thaba-Ts’oeu said she registered after knocking off from her street-vending work and returned later that night.
“I registered number four on the list and I am hopeful I will be among those deployed. Hunger can make you do desperate things,” she said.
She said they were unable to access the shelter when it rained, forcing them to improvise for protection. Despite exhaustion, she said she intended to proceed directly to work afterwards.
Another resident, Moroke Ramarumo of TJ said he arrived at 8 a.m and was shocked by the large turnout.
“It is painful to be unemployed, especially as men are expected to be providers,” he said, while commending the government’s efforts and calling for more development initiatives from both government and the private sector.
Tsoelike MP Ts’eliso Nkoefoshe said the high turnout confirmed the severity of unemployment in the district.
“These numbers confirm an unemployment crisis cutting across all age groups. Government alone cannot employ everyone. The private sector must be supported to grow and create more jobs,” he said.
The heavy turnout underscored the high demand for work in Qacha’s Nek, with many residents waiting in hope amid limited employment opportunities.
Ends/MM/tl
