By Kefiloe Kajane
The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) says it will honour its commitment to erect water taps for the communities that have been affected by the highlands water project at Katse in Thaba Tseka.
This after residents Ha Khokhoba, one of the local villages, took to the streets yesterday to protest against LHDA.
The villagers blockaded roads with burning tires hoisting placards, as they claimed to have gone months without water.
LHDA public relations manager, Masilo Phakoe told theReporter today that the unrest was a result of miscommunication, as LHDA is in the process of installing water taps.
“Just last week, the contractor who has been appointed to implement the project was there. Apparently, the community did not like the fact that LHDA is only going to erect five taps instead of the 20 they demanded. We are going to install only five taps because that is what we have in our budget at the moment. So, yeah, basically I think that is why they decided to protest.
“The minister (of water affairs) and his officials went there to talk to them and discuss the way forward. The community want to have all 20 taps but we told them that the money, which is compensation for pastures, is not meant for them alone as there are seven other villages that need water too. We are in the process of installing those taps in all those villages, an exercise projected to take about six months,” Phakoe said.
