By Tṧeliso Tṧosane
Local architecture and construction company Trendgroup handed over keys to a new tourism facility to the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) last week in Semonkong.
Speaking during an inspection tour of newly build luxury facility, Trendgroup’s manager, Lenka Mphafi, indicated that they were mandated to design the architectural drawings and oversee the construction of the prestigious building.
He said though the company faced with a stream of challenges of harsh weather conditions and high demands from the community such as waters, electrical installation and roads construction, it successfully managed to overcome those challenges.
He stated that he was very proud to hand over keys to LTDC.
The building consists of a reception, two conference rooms, two restaurants, two halls; one that accommodates 120 people while another accommodates 100 people, a museum, horse stables and a view point from where visitors can view the ‘Maletsunyane Falls from the building.
The construction of the building started in 2018 and was completed in 2019; M60-million spent for the construction.
At the function, the director of tourism ‘Mabolaoane Selinyane expressed her gratitude for the completion of tourism building facility.
In her remarks, she highlighted that they were prompted to build this facility mainly to improve the tourism industry by attracting tourists to spend longer time unlike before.
She said the building was surely not constructed to only become a white elephant.
She further indicated that a massive delay for the operation of this facility is caused by lack of enough water. She said the corporation will ensure that water is provided to the facility. Selinyane disclosed that LTDC is now currently on mission to seek for investors to build housing accommodation where visitors can stay.
“I am very hopeful this place will be productive and able to boost our economy because this a high popular place where many festivals are held,” she said, while also thanking the community living nearby.
In closing remarks, a representative of Ha Moahloli community, Sekhulomi Thejane, was grateful for planned provision of water supply to their community though their demands were not fully met. He said their lives really changed they would no longer draw water from unprotected wells.
He appealed to the LTDC to ensure that when other investors that come to operate in their area they must give back to the community.
