The upgrading of the electricity grid between the Mafeteng and Mohale's Hoek towns serves as a challenge to the district authorities to ensure electrification of the rural communities in the area, Minister of Industry, Trade, Marketing and Cooperatives, Mr. Mpho Malie has said.

Speaking at a sod turning ceremony to mark construction of the M43 million high voltage line in Mohale’s Hoek on May 6, the Minister said the new 132 kilovolts line is expected to ensure reliable power supply as far as Quthing, it was therefore, imperative that rural communities, including schools and principal chief’s offices to be linked to the grid.

The upgraded electricity supply project is also intended to serve factories expected to start operations in the Mohale's Hoek district soon. It would have been difficult for the existing 33kv system to supply both the community and factories with power.

The Project, to be carried out by Lesotho Steel, includes construction of sub stations in the district and installation of a large transformer to ensure reliable supply to Quthing up to Qacha’s Nek,  presently served by South Africa, according to DYELEC consulting engineer Mr. Ramoremi ‘Molaoa.

One hundred and twenty people will be employed on the project which is expected to be completed by June next year.

09 May 2005