Road Fund has sponsored Roads Directorate to undertake projects aimed at lighting up the city, through reconstruction and rehabilitation of artificial street lighting around Maseru.
The recently completed project, which is the rehabilitation of artificial street lighting of the A1 Road, was launched by the Prime Minister Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane.
“What we are doing today is in fulfilment of what the Government promised the nation, we plan to light up all towns as per the nation’s request,” The Prime Minister indicated.
The Prime Minister pointed out that darkness that prevailed within the country’s towns has had bad consequences for the nation, including amongst others, road accidents, murder, rape and robbery incidents.
He mentioned that darkness also affects economic growth, as traders have to close their businesses early in the day to avoid the challenges associated with darkness.
He concluded by pleading to the road users to protect the property, so that it can benefit road users from generation to generation, adding that there should be cooperation between the public and the security agencies in ensuring safe utilisation of the streetlights.
Speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr. Matjato Moteane thanked the Road Fund for sponsoring the project, which he said cost about M5,1 Million for a total of 47 street lights over a 1.8kms road from the main circle in Maseru down to the Lakeside Intersection along the main North 1 road.
He explained that another project to rehabilitate road lighting has already commenced along the A2 Road from the main circle to Thabong circle saying that the project is anticipated to cost over M6,6 Million when completed.
The Minister further indicated that there are plans to also construct street lights along the Kofi Annan Road as well as around Thetsane leading to the hospital area. All these projects are meant to improve mobility while always ensuring safety of all road users when using these roads, he concluded.
A total of M26 Million has been set aside by the Road Fund for the financial year to sponsor these projects implemented by the Roads Directorate.
