Mafeteng, June 12 -- The Prime Minister Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane says the Ranarothole Solar Energy generation will not only benefit the community of Mafeteng but also the nation. This, he said during the handing over ceremony from TBEA Xinjiang New Energy to the government of Lesotho at a ceremony held at Ha Ramarothole on Monday.
Prime Minister Matekane said the country is currently experiencing a challenge of insufficient electricity. “It is the government’s intention to ensure generation of electricity for its people and to sell excess to other countries,” he said. He highlighted that Lesotho government through the Ministry of Natural Resources continues to learn various methods of generating electricity through clean energy (water and air). 30 Megawatts Solar Energy generation will not only benefit the community of Mafeteng but also the whole nation.

The Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude to the Government of China for supporting the project for the benefit of Basotho, saying this further strengthens the bilateral relations between the two countries. He urged members of the community in the area together with the local authorities to protect the project as they are primary beneficiaries of the
project. At the same occasion the Minister of Natural Resources Mr. Mohlomi Moleko expressed his gratitude towards completion of the project, adding that is important as the country is currently not able to generate sufficient electricity for its people. “We need 200 megawatts more as we only have 72 megawatts and today 30 megawatts solar project is completed, which means we can produce more and sell excess to other countries,” he said.

Speaking on the current alternative electricity generation, he clarified that ‘Muela Power Electricity Generation is about to be transformed and it is expected to take at least six months and hopefully be completed in December. The Minister confirmed that all villages around the project will have electricity and water and called on them to ensure security of the project for
its sustainability. On the other hand, the Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho Mr. Lei Kezhong said the completed project is among many being carried out in the country of Lesotho and supported by the government of China. Mr. Lei said the government of China is willing to support African countries where Lesotho is no exception, congratulating the contractors for completion the layout of the project.