The Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr. Matjato Moteane says transport services will be provided in the Mokhotlong district soon. The Minister said this when responding to Transport Operators outcry on provision of services such as short term permits and licenses to mention a few. The meeting between the transport operators and the Minister took place in
Mokhotlong on Tuesday. Mr. Moteane said it is the responsibility of the Ministry to bring services closer to the public, adding that the Ministry's vision is to ensure it provides services through the use of technology.

He stated that when services are provided locally and through the use of technology that will reduce costs the transport operators incur when they travel out of the district to get services they need in other districts. Transport operators have to travel to either Leribe or Botha Bothe to apply for short term permits and licenses because they are not issued in the district due to lack of office space. The Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Mrs. Ts'epang Koele explained that the Office which is in the form of a Parkhome will be opened soon after equipment and electricity have been installed.

On the other hand, the Traffic Commissioner Mrs. 'Mathabo Ts'osane said the services that the transport operators have been requesting will soon be offered in the district. She said issuance of permits at Hlotse was mainly due to shortage of office space in the district. she added that only vehicle registration and short term permits for special trips are being rendered in the district at the Sub Accountancy Office.

The transport operators had on several occasions requested the Ministry to bring the services closer to them. They appealed to the Ministry to speed up the process of bringing back much needed services in the district. The purpose of Minister Moteane's visit in the district was to inspect the damaged roads, bridges so that they can be constructed in this financial year as well as to meet the transport operators to discuss issues facing the industry in the district.