The right honorable Prime Minister Sam Matekane and the Minister of Energy Mohlomi Moleko spearheaded the electricity handover ceremony at Ha Tlali and ‘Mapotsane communities in the district of Mohale’s Hoek this Friday 29 August.
The Ministry of Energy has supplied electricity to upto 450 households in the villages of Ha Tlali and ‘Mapotsane plus Makhetheng Primary School.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Prime Minister hinted that electricity supply is one of the cornerstones of Basotho growth and development, hence the government’s target is to ensure that by the year 2030, every Mosotho has access to the service.
“We will reach this target by supporting the Ministry of Energy with the financial muscle boost originating from the national budget as well as the support from the country’s development partners,” he reiterated.
“Electricity is a very vital model of infrastructure as we are able to boost the economy through the growth of businesses, fight crime as well as performing other daily duties at our households,” the Prime Minister said, adding that they are proud to announce that a similar job has reached completion at Ha Kobo-Tšoeu where 350 households have had electricity installed.
“The project cost to a tune of M10 500 000,” Matekane announced.
The project of electrifying the two villages alone has been valued to a tune of M21 547 000 with each family taking a cut of over M47 000 in average. The contractors entrusted to carry the duties of this supply fell on the shoulders of locally owned companies; Lesehe Constructions and Powertech.
Matekane expressed his joy in receiving a report that these constructions had also offered temporary jobs to the locals during the course of the project.
He further urged the contractors to always strive to excel in service delivery and be punctual, pleading with them to return to the drawing board and have an open communication with the ministry should they meet hindrances along the course of the job.
Likewise, he insisted to the government ministries to be swift in paying tenderers as soon as they complete the tasks they have tendered for, noting that delayed payments result in the foreclosure of Basotho companies hence the country’s economy gets knocked in the process.
Matekane announced that as the government working alongside the Disaster Management Authority (DMA), they have also handed over 21 newly built houses which were crumbled down due to heavy rains and winds.
“These houses are not just walls and roofing but act as a beacon of hope for a better future and dignity restoration,” he said.
Moleko expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for fulfilling the promises he made to the nation when he entered his office of being invested in service delivery.
Sizakele Cloete Mdlokovana, a member of parliament and MP for Mohale’s Hoalso #61, expressed his gratitude for the people of Mohale’s Hoek, saying they are filled with joy to see the day.
“I have personally spoken with Minister Mohlomi persisting to see this day become a reality. I therefore wish to express my gratitude to him.”
The government has also build towers in various places that were in dire demand of communication access; Ha Liphapano, Mahloala Valley, Ha Thetsinyane and Ketane Valley.
Other beneficiaries of this year’s infrastructure implementations include schools which have had computer labs build; Bonhomme Commercial High School, Saint Patrick High School, Mohale’s Hoek English Medium, Mohale’s Hoek High School and Holy Cross High School.
