By Teboho Serutla
The emerging habit of vandalism of pavements in residential areas of Maseru has a potential to endanger lives of vulnerable people like the disabled.
This was mentioned by the executive director of the Lesotho National Association of the physically Disabled (LNADP), Mojalefa Ntlatlapa, who pointed out disabled people find it difficult move on destroyed pavements.
“There are people who steal these paving bricks and fit them in their own yards. Others are left strewn all over the place by negligent service providers after installing electricity or water distribution equipment.
“The government should also be held accountable for poor planning as roads do not have provision for people with disabilities. This hurts everybody, not just disabled people.
“Another nuisance is these vendors who do business by the roadside. They block the pavements, forcing disabled people (especially those on wheelchairs) to risk being hit by vehicles in the roads. Sadly, the Maseru City Council (MCC) does not seem to do anything about this.”
On the other hand, MCC communications manager ‘Makatleho Mosala says MCC has not received conclusive reports of paving block theft.
“We have made attempts to discuss with local chiefs, councilors and other stakeholders the importance of protecting public property, but the exercise has not been as successful as desired because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We urge people to report any form of vandalism, as it it is illegal to steal public property.”
