Maseru- The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) has successfully completed a delicate and culturally significant task, relocating 448 graves from four villages which are, Tloha-re-bue, Masakong, Tlhakola, and Malingoaneng.
This endeavour, which took three months, is part of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, focused on the construction of the Polihali Dam.
Recognizing the deeply emotional nature of grave relocation, the LHDA worked closely with the affected households and communities from the start. By considering their needs, opinions, and traditional practices, the LHDA ensured that the process was conducted with the utmost respect.
Traditional ceremonies were an essential aspect of this process. These ceremonies, held in Malingoaneng and Tloha-re-bue, were designed to honour the ancestors before the relocation began.
Motselisi Sefali, LHDA Polihali Social Worker, emphasized that Basotho culture places great significance on our ancestors. These ceremonies were essential before exhumation.
During a pre-relocation ceremony, Ntate Tsépang Tsakatsiof Tloha-re-bue, speaking on behalf of the elders, expressed gratitude to the LHDA for observing the cultural custom of slaughtering two cows, one male and one female, to enable the community to call on the ancestors to relocate to the new burial grounds.
“We also acknowledge LHDA’s understanding that the affected members’ beliefs and religious customs are diverse, hence the payment of compensation to each affected family to facilitate a customary ceremony in honorof their relocated loved ones,” said Tsakatsi.
The LHDA also provided comprehensive psychosocial support to the 166 affected families during and after the relocation process. This support was crucial in helping families adjust to the changes brought about by the relocation.
In addition to the respectful handling of the grave relocation, the project brought economic benefits to the local community. More than 30 casual labourers were hired from the affected villages, with two individuals from the LHDA trade skills development program being promoted to semi-skilled builder positions.
The grave relocation was carried out by the PGS-KotiSephola joint venture, a partnership between a South African company and a local Mokhotlong business.
Additionally, Ntha Foods, another Mokhotlong-based company, provided catering services for the project team, ensuring that local businesses also benefited from the project. The completion of this grave relocation marks a significant milestone in the ongoing Polihali Dam project.Ithighlights the LHDA’s commitment to respecting the cultural heritage and well-being of the communities involved, ensuring that modern development does not come at the cost of tradition.
The Polihali Dam project, part of the larger Lesotho Highlands Water Project, continues to progress with the same level of respect and consideration for the people and culture of Lesotho, paving the way for a future where development and tradition coexist harmoniously.
