MASERU, June 12 — Prime Minister Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane says the government remains committed to protecting the lives and property of Basotho across the country.
Mr. Matekane made the remarks on Friday evening when he officially switched on and handed over street lights reported to have cost more than M36 million.
The street lights inclusive of Mast head light are along the A7 (Kofi Annan) Road at Tikoe Circle.
Addressing government officials and community members, the Prime Minister said the project is part of government efforts to ensure that people in different constituencies benefit from development initiatives taking place in their areas.
He said the installation of street lights will improve safety and security while also creating employment opportunities for local people during project implementation.
Mr. Matekane noted that government is continuing with other development projects, including road construction works in several parts of the country.
He cited the ongoing road project at Ha Sae in Ha Thetsane and said the road near Loretto Primary School will also be upgraded soon.
He further announced that the government also plans to open factories in Butha-Buthe, which are expected to create at least 20,000 jobs for Basotho.
Speaking at the same event, the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr. Matjato Moteane, said more than 100 jobs were created through the Tikoe Circle street lighting project.
He said the project responds to the Prime Minister’s call for job creation and community empowerment through development programmes.
On behalf of Members of Parliament from constituencies surrounding Likotsi, the Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms. Nthati Moorosi, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the project.
She said the street lights will help protect people from criminal activities, especially factory workers who travel home late at night or in the early hours of the morning.
Representing the Principal Chief of Thaba-Bosiu, Mr. Leloko Mohalenyane urged community members to safeguard the street lights and related equipment so that everyone can continue to benefit from the project.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Maseru, Mr. Relebohile Sechache, highlighted the importance of light, saying it symbolises safety and hope and has always been associated with overcoming darkness.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Area Chief Rampepuoa Moohlo said residents had for many years reported cases of attacks on pedestrians, particularly factory workers, along the Kofi Annan Road.
He said since the installation of the lights and through cooperation with Thetsane Police, safety and order have improved significantly in the area. Chief Moohlo expressed gratitude to the government for the project, saying it will greatly benefit communities living in Thetsane, Likotsi and Qeme constituencies, among others.
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