MASERU-The Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) is once again under public scrutiny following fresh revelations that its Procurement Manager, Peo Mputsoe, is facing suspension over suspected procurement irregularities.
The development came to light during a sitting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) earlier this week, where the acting Head of Finance at LEC, Lintle Thamae, confirmed that a suspension letter was in the final stages of preparation. Thamae told the committee that the pending suspension follows a disciplinary process initiated by LEC after concerns were raised about Mputsoe’s handling of procurement procedures within the state-owned enterprise.
According to Thamae, the utility had issued a show-cause letter to Mputsoe, demanding an explanation for his alleged conduct. However, the committee was told that his response was deemed unsatisfactory by the company’s leadership, prompting them to escalate the matter toward suspension.
“The company took the decision to act after it was not satisfied with the explanations provided. As of now, the suspension letter is being finalized,” said Thamae, responding to questions from PAC members who expressed concern over ongoing procurement issues at LEC.
The PAC, chaired by Hon. Lekhetho Mosito, has been a consistent watchdog over the financial practices of public institutions, with LEC frequently appearing before the committee due to recurring issues related to governance and fiscal discipline. Members of the committee noted with concern that the power utility continues to exhibit signs of deep-rooted management challenges, of which procurement irregularities are only one part.
The committee also highlighted the need for stronger oversight mechanisms to prevent maladministration and ensure accountability within parastatals. “This is not the first time LEC is before us for similar matters. We are concerned about the culture of impunity and lack of clear consequence management,” said one member during the hearing.
Although full details of the alleged irregularities were not disclosed during the session, the PAC indicated that a formal inquiry may be necessary to probe deeper into the company’s procurement activities and overall financial governance. The committee also hinted at the possibility of summoning Mputsoe to give his side of the story in subsequent sessions.
LEC has for years been battling public perceptions of mismanagement, with repeated reports of inefficiency, financial misappropriation, and poor service delivery. The latest revelations only add to the challenges faced by the utility, which is central to the country’s energy infrastructure.
As the suspension process unfolds, stakeholders are watching closely to see whether LEC will finally implement effective corrective measures. Meanwhile, the PAC has vowed to continue its oversight role in holding public officials accountable and ensuring that governance standards are upheld in all state-owned entities.
