The Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili has pledged the government commitment to electrify the country by providing over 50 000 households with electricity between 2007 and 2012.

He was speaking at the inauguration of Ha Mokhoro electricity project funded by government with over M800 000. The inauguration that also coincided with St. Ann Catholic Mission celebration of 12 years anniversary was held at the church premises at Ha Mokhoro in Peka on Sunday.

The Prime Minister said to achieve the goal, government is working towards reducing the costs of installation from M500.00 to M50.00 to allow all people to have access to electricity. He however, appealed to communities in their respective villages to unite and contribute their
Installation fees, which until presently is still M500.00.

He congratulated the community of Ha Mokhoro for having a resourceful priest like Father Jimm Maduh (Mothusi), whom he said persuaded the government to install the electricity in the area.

He said even though rural electrification is government's commitment, it would have taken time to reach Ha Mokhoro if it was not for the aggressiveness of the priest. He therefore applauded him for his vision and passion to bring changes in the lives of Ha Mokhoro community.

On the other hand Father Jimm thanked the government, saying he used to call Ha Mokhoro a government rejected area, which he has now revolved and termed 'government reserved area’ demonstrated by the installation of electricity.

He said electricity is one of the vital infrastructures that could breed sustainable development toward efforts aimed at reducing poverty in the country.

Also speaking was the Member of Parliament for Peka Constituency, Mr. Thabo Molapo of All Basotho Convention Party (ABC), who thanked the government for extending a hand by bringing services like electricity to people in such a remote area.

He however appealed to government to consider construction of the road in the area as due to inaccessibility of the place, people still use vans as their mode of transport.

Meanwhile, Father Jimm who was commended by many for having played a significant role in making the electricity project a success, received numerous gifts from the congregation, while he presented the Prime minister with a cattle and offered sheep to five ministers that included Mr. Ralechate ‘Mokose, Mr. Ts'ele Chakela, Mr. Monyane Moleleki, Dr 'Mamphono Khaketla and Dr Timothy Thahane.

St. Ann Missions was established in 1897 by Late Father Joseph Gerard.

Source: LENA 30/09/2007