The Minister of Public Works and Transport, Honourable Matjato Moteane, announced this during the introduction of Qingjian Group (CNQC), the contractor awarded the project, and the sod-turning ceremony for the eight-kilometre road extension.
The project is expected to create between 150 and 200 jobs, improve access to remote communities and boost tourism.
CNQC has 18 months to complete the project, while SMEC, which supervised the previous section of the road (Mpiti-Sehlabathebe), will continue its consultancy role.
Addressing the contractor and stakeholders, Moteane urged all parties to improve coordination, transparency and communication, drawing lessons from challenges encountered during the Mpiti-Sehlabathebe road project.
“When I come back in 18 months, I want to reach this village and tell the residents that you have done well,” he said.
He acknowledged concerns previously raised by the local Member of Parliament (MP) and councillor about poor cooperation among stakeholders, calling for timely consultations with landowners and affected households, proper record-keeping and accessible channels for addressing complaints.
Moteane said targets would be established following discussions on subcontracting arrangements.
He emphasized that as the project was funded by the government, the contractor was expected to deliver quality work, noting that the money could have been allocated to other infrastructure priorities.
Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture Mputi Mputi said the road would strengthen tourism and create opportunities for local businesses, particularly those owned by young people and women.
He described Sehlabathebe National Park as one of Lesotho’s natural treasures, saying improved road access could attract more tourists, create jobs and stimulate local economic activity.
However, he stressed that infrastructure alone would not guarantee tourism growth. He said communities also needed to prepare to welcome visitors by offering services such as homestays, traditional food and cultural experiences.
He said tourists should not only see Lesotho’s natural beauty but also experience Basotho hospitality and culture, ensuring that tourism contributes to economic growth without damaging the country’s attractions.
Mputi also appealed for the road to be extended to the border crossing referred to by the minister, a development that could further improve access for tourists and travellers.
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Natural Resources, Tourism and Land Cluster, Lebohang Phohleli, said the committee was responsible for approving funding upon the minister’s request and monitoring how allocated funds were used.
He said the committee would return to assess progress and would also be present at the project’s launch upon completion.
“We believe that this time we will not have to answer for problems similar to those experienced on the Mpiti-Sehlabathebe project,” he said.
Phohleli added that the Prime Minister had plans to improve connectivity between Qacha’s Nek and Mokhotlong, a move he said could attract more tourists and contribute to economic growth.
Speaking on behalf of the Principal Chief, Chieftainess ’Matheko Makhaola welcomed the project, saying it would ease the daily difficulties faced by Thamathu residents.
She said that, once the road was completed, villagers would no longer have to spend nights at Ha Belebese in Letlapeng as transport will help them reach their homes.
Makhaola urged residents to protect the road against damage, including damage caused by animals, so that future generations could also benefit.
Thamathu Councillor Liau Mohasoa described the occasion as historic, saying the extension would finally address longstanding challenges faced by Thamathu and Belebese residents.
“We have been struggling for so many years, and our lives have been at risk. The road was constructed and left at the park, and we wondered why. It was a problem, but today our plea has been answered,” he said.
Mohasoa said the extension would make it easier for tourists to reach Thamathu and spare residents the difficulty of travelling to the vicinity of the park to catch taxis.
Tsoelike MP Ts’eliso Nkoefoshe said he had repeatedly engaged the Minister of Public Works and Transport as the road was initially intended to reach Thamathu, with the possibility of extending it further towards the border crossing.
He said the area was popular with tourists and that improved connectivity could make travel more convenient. He also highlighted the potential to ease business travel between the area and Pietermaritzburg, which he said could be reached in three hours or less.
“We are happy that the project is being implemented, and we are thankful,” he said.
Nkoefoshe urged the contractor and community to resolve disputes amicably, particularly where construction activities affected fields, houses and other properties. He called for affected residents to be compensated on time.
As construction gets underway, the focus now shifts to delivery, with residents eager to see the long-awaited extension completed and its promised benefits realized.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of Lesotho.