M524 million Mpilo Boulevard project takes off 

…in bid to tackle traffic crisis 

Moroke Sekoboto 

THE long-awaited M524 million upgrade of Mpilo Boulevard is finally underway and is expected to transform Maseru’s road network by easing traffic congestion, improving road safety and providing better facilities for pedestrians. 

Deputy Prime Minister, Nthomeng Majara, this week officially launched the M524,268,980 Mpilo Boulevard Intersections Project, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to decongest the capital city. 

A sod-turning ceremony held at the Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena signalled the immediate commencement of construction, bringing relief to thousands of commuters who endure daily traffic gridlock. 

The project, which falls under the Maseru City Council (MCC), is divided into several zones stretching from the Maseru Club area, Pioneer Mall, the Institute of Extra Mural Studies (IEMS) and Katlehong. Its key objective is to improve traffic flow and reduce road accidents. 

The project design was funded by the Road Fund to the tune of M500 million, with the government coughing the remainder. 

Civil works are being led by NAM Consultant, with Sinohydro as the main contractor. The construction comprises 9km of roads and four bridges that will benefit communities such as Old Europa, Katlehong and the Pope John Paul area. Of the total project cost, roads will account for M285,065,031, while bridges will cost M239,203,949. 

The multi-million-maloti infrastructure project comes after a series of administrative and logistical delays that had stalled its implementation. 

Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, Ms Majara said the project represents a turning point for urban mobility in Maseru. 

She said the initiative is designed to overhaul the capital’s road network and upgrade outdated infrastructure to accommodate increasing traffic volumes. 

The Deputy Prime Minister said the project is expected to be completed within two years and would place significant emphasis on youth employment and empowerment. 

She urged contractors to execute the work professionally and within the stipulated timeframe, assuring them that the Ministry of Local Government would honour its payment obligations. 

“Since assuming power, we have focused on infrastructure development and this sod-turning ceremony reaffirms our commitment to creating a better Lesotho for generations to come. 

“This project is divided into two phases and will comprise 9km of roads and four bridges benefiting villages such as Old Europa, Katlehong and the Pope John Paul area,” Ms Majara said. 

She further directed contractors to ensure skills development among Basotho and employ 100 percent Basotho unskilled labour. 

“The government has declared an emergency on youth unemployment, so this project will help reduce the unemployment rate,” she said. 

Minister of Local Government and Chieftainship, Nkhethoa Seetsa, described the project as a monumental milestone in service delivery. 

He said the new roads and bridges would improve safety for all road users while facilitating skills transfer, stimulating business growth and boosting tourism. 

“Today marks a milestone in service delivery as this is a long-awaited project. The roads and bridges will ensure the safety of all road users after years of congestion and other challenges,” Mr Seetsa said. 

“The project will not only reduce road accidents but will also see roads leading to different villages being rehabilitated. Tourism is expected to grow and businesses will benefit as well. 

“The project will take two years and will bring skills transfer and job creation, particularly for young people, ensuring that communities are empowered.” 

Speaking on behalf of the Principal Chief of Matsieng, Chief Lerotholi Seeiso appealed for the transparent and fair allocation of jobs and contracts so that local communities could benefit directly from the project. 

Community Councillor for MCC 06, Gerald Spence, highlighted the positive impact the project would have on pedestrian safety, recalling the historical difficulties people faced crossing from the Moshoeshoe I Statue to Pioneer Mall. 

He welcomed the development, saying the improved infrastructure would serve the needs of all city residents. 

NAM Consultant Technical Director, Molefe Nthabane, said the project’s main objective is to increase road capacity, improve mobility and provide safe pedestrian infrastructure. 

He said the planning process involved extensive stakeholder consultations and detailed investigations, including the use of drone technology. 

Mr Nthabane added that the design process began in 2017 but was delayed by administrative challenges. 

Maseru Mayor, Relebohile Sechache, described the sod-turning ceremony as a historic milestone and called on all stakeholders to ensure the smooth implementation of the project. 

Meanwhile, Road Fund Chief Executive Officer, ‘Matsepang Sekhokoane, said the organisation supported the initiative by financing the initial road designs after receiving the proposal several years ago. 

She said quality road infrastructure benefits both present and future generations and urged the public to safeguard the new developments once completed. 

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