The government has signed a M1.4 billion contract with China International Water and Electric Corporation for the design and upgrading of the 45km Matlali–Lebakeng road in Qacha’s Nek district.
Construction of the project is expected to begin in June this year and completed within four years.
The scope of works includes the upgrading of the existing gravel road to bitumen standard, supported by engineering investigations and detailed design. The project will also cover the construction of a 1.4km gravel access road to Melikane Combined School, four bridges across the Tsoelike, Lijabatho, Melikane and Senqu rivers, as well as the erection of road signs, traffic markings, road reserve markers, bus bays and drainage structures.
The road runs from Ha Matlali through Mosenekeng to Lebakeng, linking the Lebakeng constituency with Qacha’s Nek town via the A4 Road. It is expected to benefit 1,777 households, impacting 8,652 people.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on Wednesday this week, Roads Directorate Director General, Teboho Mokuoane, said the project would address long-standing safety and access challenges.
He noted that the road is currently gravel and ends at the Lebakeng Clinic parking area, with several stream crossings lacking adequate drainage, making travel hazardous, particularly during the rainy season.
“As a result, the movement of people and goods is often disrupted, and children frequently miss school when the road becomes impassable,” Mokuoane said.
He added that residents of Mosenekeng also face difficulties accessing Lebakeng Clinic due to challenges in crossing the Senqu River.
Mokuoane said the road is classified as a secondary connector intended to improve access to remote rural communities, strengthen connectivity between Qacha’s Nek and Thaba-Tseka districts, and support an integrated rural transport system.
He further indicated that the upgrade would boost local tourism by enabling activities such as hiking, mountain biking, 4×4 trails, pony trekking and other eco- and adventure tourism ventures.
Improved access to markets, particularly for wool and mohair farmers, and year-round access to the Lebakeng Airstrip were also highlighted among the benefits.
The project will improve access to several schools, including Melikane Combined School, Melikane LEC Primary, Rasekoele, Lehata, Likileng, Ramokakatlela, Mosenekeng and Quthu primary schools, as well as health facilities such as Melikane Clinic, Matebeleng Clinic, Libobeng, and Qacha’s Nek Hospital.
“The Ha Matlali–Mosenekeng–Lebakeng road upgrade is a strategic infrastructure investment aligned with national development goals. It will enhance accessibility, safety, economic activity, service delivery and tourism, while contributing to poverty reduction and regional integration in one of Lesotho’s most remote areas,” Mokuoane pointed out.
China International Water and Electric Corporation Country Director, Cao Xuefery, described the project as an important investment for Qacha’s Nek district and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to meeting contractual and technical standards.
“We appreciate the trust placed in us by the Roads Directorate and the government of Lesotho. We are fully committed to delivering this project in accordance with the contract, applicable standards and local requirements,” Xuefery said.
He stated that the company would work closely with all stakeholders, including local communities and their leaders, to ensure the successful and timely implementation of the project.
