Energy Minister Mohlomi Moleko on Wednesday launched an M18.4 million rural electrification project at ’Melikane, set to connect 420 households across eight remote villages.At the launch, the contract was officially awarded to Amulet Group, which will carry out the 18-month project.

Each connection is estimated at M43,000, aiming to extend electricity access to underserved areas. The villages to benefit include Ha Nyatso, Likileng, Dodomayo, Ha Khoathi, Ha Chale, Mahoeng, Thueleng, and Ha Khanya. Addressing the community, Minister Moleko emphasized the broader impact of the project, linking it to job creation and national growth.

He noted that while unemployment remains a challenge, Lesotho is in a better position than regional neighbors. “Lesotho’s unemployment rate stands at 16percen better than South Africa’s 34percent, Eswatini’s 37percent, and Botswana’s 20 percent. By 2026, we aim to reduce it to 11.5 percent and this project is part of that journey.”

He encouraged youth to study fields like electricity, mining, and water management which he called the country’s treasures. Leloko Mokhuts’oane, Coordinator of the Lesotho Renewable Energy and Energy Access Project (LREAP), reflected on the long wait for full community access to electricity.