Maseru, June 04 — The Maseru City Council on Tuesday inspected ongoing road rehabilitation works in the capital, saying the focus has shifted from temporary patching to long-term and sustainable road upgrades.

Speaking during the inspection, Town Clerk Mr. Moea Makhakhe said in 2023 the Roads Fund allocated M80 million for the rehabilitation, maintenance and construction of critical roads in Maseru.

He noted that several roads had not been rehabilitated for six years, resulting in potholes and poor road surfaces that continue to cause accidents, traffic congestion and vehicle damage.

Mr. Makhakhe said patching potholes had not produced lasting results, adding that government was now investing heavily in road infrastructure because of the many challenges caused by deteriorating roads.

He described road rehabilitation as both a development and social responsibility, saying communities have a collective duty to create safer environments for future generations.

“The road needs full rehabilitation and a new design because it is severely damaged,” he said, adding that contractors had been instructed to stabilise some damaged roads while waiting for additional funding expected in the 2027/2028 financial year.

The inspection covered high-traffic areas including Likotsi, Thetsane, Tšolo and central Maseru, with particular attention given to Stadium Area, Khubetsoana, Mabote, Motimposo, Qoaling, Abia and Tsolo.

Officials said future road projects would prioritise Moshoeshoe paved roads instead of repeated patching because paved roads require less maintenance and offer greater durability.

Meanwhile, Lithoteng Community Councillor Mr. Relebohile Sechache said about five kilometres of road in Semphetenyane had become inaccessible due to severe damage.

He explained that loose cobblestones had made the route unusable for vehicles.

Mr. Sechache added that around 100 people were employed under the Semphetenyane road works project, noting that the council worked together with councillors and chiefs to identify local labourers.

Project Manager Mr. Maponyane Tholong acknowledged that significant progress had already been made across Maseru, although more work still remains.

He urged communities in Semphetenyane and Thetsane to engage with chiefs and councillors regarding how future road works should be implemented.

Mr. Tholong further revealed that more than M1.7 million had been spent on stabilising roads rather than re-tarring them. He said workers removed damaged road surfaces and laid new material to restore access despite ongoing challenges caused by underground springs.

“The goal is not only to patch potholes today, but to build roads that will provide long-term stability for communities,” he said.
The Roads Directorate said the inspection forms part of wider efforts to rehabilitate Maseru’s road network, including the ongoing Masianokeng to St Michael’s and St Michael’s to Roma road projects valued at M140.1 million.