The Ministers of Natural Resources and of Local Government and Chieftainship officiated the launching of rural electrification project at Patlong, Ha-Sekake last Friday.

Addressing the public at the launching ceremony, the Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Monyane Moleleki congratulated the Patlong community for being assisted with electricity.

Minister Moleleki said the Patlong Electricity project has been funded by the government to a tune of M4, 9 million.

He said government is on a campaign to ‘brighten’ the entire country, noting that starting on Friday of October 26, they will both (him and minister of local government) lead similar events in the districts of Botha-Bothe and Thaba-Tseka respectively".

He said that government has put aside M14 million to be used for rural electrification projects including that of Patlong.

Speaking at the same occasion, the Minister of Local Government and Chieftainship, Dr Ponts’o Sekatle congratulated the officers of the ministry of Natural Resources and contractor for the job well done.

Dr Sekatle said installation of electricity at Patlong would improve the lives of the residents, as they would engage in different developmental projects and businesses.

She said students’ performance at school would improve, as they will have access to sufficient light for studying, and that even businesses would function properly in the area.

She therefore appealed to chiefs, community councillors and Patlong community to protect the electricity generating equipment and to use the electricity carefully so that the same initiative could be extended to other areas at Ha-Sekake.

The Chief of Patlong, Chieftainess ‘Mamotheba Tautona expressed gratitude over government effort to bring electricity in their area, she said this has been a-long-time need for her community.

She expressed hope that installation of electricity in the area would bring about developments like education college and enhance health services.

One of the residents, Mrs. ‘Maelia Mothae noted that installation of electricity in the area marks the beginning of a new life and a step forward to improving the lives of her family members and community.

She said electricity would also help reduce crime which she said was a problem, singling out housebreakings and theft as common, especially at night.

At least 230 households from six villages have been electrified with the generator-powered electricity.

Source: LENA 20/10/2007