Maseru, Feb. 13 — For years, Mokhokhong community has been feeling forgotten with no developments like electricity and roads but 2026 seems to be their year as the government of Lesotho through Ministry of Energy will on Friday next week (February 20) launch the rural electrification project in the area.
Rural Electrification is a key strategy for improving the quality of life, boosting economic opportunities and promoting sustainable development in remote and underserved communities across Lesotho.
Access to electricity empowers households, businesses, schools and health facilities thus enabling social and economic growth.
Mokhokhong situated in Roma about 40km from Maseru has about six small villages including Ha Phillip, Ha ‘Mabathoana, Malimong, Matumeng, Mapheaneng and Ha Motebele.
Speaking in an interview, Mrs. ‘Mathabo Thaki said this feels like a dream come true to them saying for years they have lived in darkness which she said made them feel neglected or discriminated against as other villages nearby have electricity.
She said hearing of the launch of the project has left them anxious as to when the project will be completed so that like other communities they would light up and watch television.
On the other hand, Community Councilor, Mr. Thabo Marole said this feels like Christmas in the new year saying at last their plea has been heard. He said this marks history in the existence of Mokhokhong and Lesotho as their area has not had any developments.
He said about 25 years ago, they were promised electricity by the then regime and about 60 to 70 percent of the community had their houses wired only to be dropped without any word. “We are very excited, it feels like we already have electricity, we have been remembered,” he said.
However, he indicated that as much as they are going to have electricity, there are still some challenges which include no road and footbridges saying children fail to go to school during rainy seasons as the river gets full. He highlighted that people from Ha Motebele still carry corpses and the sick on cattle carts to Ha ‘Mabathoana to access vehicles.
Meanwhile Mokhokhong has caves that present a captivating journey into the past through remarkable rock paintings.
These ancient artworks depict scenes of daily life, animals and spiritual beliefs, providing insights into the culture and traditions of this community. Some paintings are believed to be over a thousand years old, adding historical significance to the site.
The paintings themselves feature intricate designs of animals and human figures, reflecting the cultural and spiritual connections of the early inhabitants with their environment.
Ends/AT/tl
