The Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) Board of Directors, has decided to set aside a portion of procurement span, to create business opportunities for Lesotho businesses, in order to support the government’s strategy of growing businesses and eradicating poverty.

The chairperson of the board Mr Refiloe Matekane, says in this strategy certain goods, services and works are reserved only for local companies, and the non-local businesses are barred from beading directly for these items.

Mr Matekane says equipment, electrical spares and materials, services, consultancy and a list of services and materials, will be given by LEC to show which items are specifically for local suppliers.

In his statement he explained that the companies that will be allowed, will be majority owned by 50% Basotho and legally registered in Lesotho.

He also said in order to qualify, the Lesotho companies must have a contract with the manufacturer or the agent of the manufacturer, authorizing them to supply the products.

He further said the purpose of this announcement is to inform all interested Basotho companies about the initiative, so that they can start setting out agreements with businesses from outside of Lesotho which already have agreements with manufacturers.