Botha-Bothe __ After years of waiting, the Likhutlong community will finally be connected to the national electricity grid.

This follows the launch of the village’s electrification project by the Ministry of Energy on Friday.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Energy, the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr. Matjato Moteane, said the government recognises the need to electrify all villages in Lesotho.

However, he stressed the importance of the country generating its own electricity to reduce the high costs of importing power.

“Lesotho currently imports 50 percent of the electricity we use, while the remaining 50 percent comes from the ‘Muela Hydropower Station and solar energy,” he said. “With the planned projects at Oxbow and Mafeteng, Lesotho will be able to produce 100 percent of its electricity needs.”

Mr. Moteane added that generating electricity locally would make it more affordable to connect households nationwide. He noted that Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane has instructed the Minister of Energy to ensure every household in Lesotho has electricity by 2030.

Addressing the project contractor, Semelane Construction, Mr. Moteane urged them to work quickly and in close cooperation with the community.

The villages to be connected under the project include Sosolo, Mocathane, Moreneng, Ha Maqhai, and Lithakong, with the total cost amounting to M14,567.00. 350 Households will be connected.

Member of Parliament for Botha-Bothe No. 5, Mr. Karabo Pholosa, expressed gratitude that Likhutlong will finally be electrified. He said he grew up in the village and had consistently lobbied the relevant ministry to prioritise it.

“The seed that the community of Likhutlong planted in 2022 is now bearing fruit. The Prime Minister has kept the promise he made to the community before the elections,” Mr. Pholosa said.

Chairperson of the local electrification scheme, Mr. Mapoe Poe, said the community had waited many years for this day. He added that the challenges they faced without electricity will soon be a thing of the past once construction begins.