Road Fund Lesotho Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Matšepang Sekhokoane, participated in the African Road Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA) Southern Africa Focal Group (ASAFG) Meeting in Luanda, Angola, joining regional Road Funds in a strategic dialogue on protecting road infrastructure from the escalating effects of climate change.
Convened under the theme, “Resilient and Sustainable Road Infrastructure in the Face of Climate Change: Addressing Climate Risks and Financing Challenges,” the meeting brought together Road Funds and related stakeholders to consider the growing vulnerability of road networks to severe and unpredictable weather.
The week-long deliberations examined the principal risks and effects of climate change on road infrastructure, together with measures adopted by member countries to reduce vulnerability, strengthen resilience and maintain the continuity of transport services.
Presenting on behalf of the Lesotho delegation, the Head of Human Resources and Administration Ms. Mafako Lepholisa emphasised that Lesotho is not exempt from these challenges, further underscoring the importance of resilient infrastructure and sustainable financing mechanisms in safeguarding the country’s road assets.
The central focus of the meeting was the challenge of financing the maintenance, rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads affected by climate-related events. Delegates outlined the main financial constraints facing their countries, assessed existing financing mechanisms and considered the additional resources required to address climate impacts without compromising routine maintenance obligations. The forum also enabled member countries to share national experiences, implemented solutions, good practices and lessons learned.
“For Lesotho, climate change presents a direct and growing threat to the sustainability of our road infrastructure and places additional pressure on the limited resources available for its maintenance. Given the country’s mountainous terrain and vulnerability to severe weather, we must strengthen climate-resilient road planning, secure sustainable financing and work with stakeholders to share practical solutions to protect and preserve our road assets,” Mrs. Sekhokoane said during the meeting.
Road Fund Lesotho’s participation demonstrates its commitment to regional cooperation and to strengthening measures that protect investments in road infrastructure.
Through ASAFG, member Road Funds continue to deepen cooperation, expand knowledge-sharing and advance coordinated responses to the climate-related challenges confronting road infrastructure across Southern Africa. The outcomes of the meeting will be shared by ASAFG with other African Road Funds at the forthcoming ARMFA Annual General Assembly to be convened in November.
Phumla Moleko (Mrs.)
Head of Corporate Communications
Road Fund
Tel: +266 52016000
Email: molekop@roadfund.org.ls
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