MASERU — The Acting Prime Minister (PM), Justice Nthomeng Majara led official sod-turning of  Mpilo Maseru Central roads and bridges during a ceremony held in Maseru on Monday.

The multi-million Maloti interjection project is expected to be completed within a period of two years, with Basotho especially the youth set to get employment in this regard.

The Mpilo project divided in different zones from Maseru club, pioneer mall, IEMS and Katlehong to mention but a few with the key objective of alleviating road accidents in the city is led by Nam Consultant with support of other consultancies including Sinohydro  from Peoples' Republic of China. This will comprise 9km road and four bridges.

Delivering her keynote address, Justice Majara who is also a Member of Parliament for Maseru Central said for bridges, over M230 milion has been injected with roads amounting to over M280 million.

She added that villagers of Old Europa, Katlehong and those living alongside Pope John Paul are to benefit sufficiently from this project.

The Acting PM instructed constructors to professionally carry out their duties and within stipulated time while Ministry of Local Government must duly pay constructors accordingly.

She appealed to Basotho who will be employed at this project to know their worth, deliver to the best of their abilities in order to eliminate challenges coming with the project.

Similarly, the Minister Local Government and Chieftainship, Mr. Nkhethoa Seetsa stated that today marks a milestone in as far as service delivery is concerned as this is the long awaited project.

He said the roads and bridges will see all road users being safe and protected after experiencing a number of challenges along these roads including congestion.

He mentioned that the project will not only reduce road accidents but see roads going to different villages being rehabilitated as well, with tourism expected to rise while business will grow as well.

He alluded that this project will take two years with skills transfers, job creation especially for youth and all expected to happen in this project so that all are empowered.

On behalf of the Principal Chief of Matsieng, Chief Lerotholi Seeiso appealed for the success of the project, indicating jobs and tasks should be allocated fairly so that the community of Maseru can benefit from the project. 

On behalf of Community Councillors, Mr. Gerald Spence of MMC 06 indicated that the upcoming achievement will go a long way in ensuring safety of pedestrians, recalling how people struggle to cross from Moshoeshoe l statue to pioneer mall. "We are thankful for the achievement that will also go a long way in beautifying the city."  

The Agency has learnt that  M5 million for design into this project has been injected. This ceremony was attended by officials, diplomats and the public.