A M6.3 Million water project at Lekokoaneng to supply water to 21 villages in the area was launched by the Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Monyane Moleleki on Friday.

The sod-turning ceremony which was held at Ha Lehlohonolo in the outskirts of Teyateyaneng marked the beginning of the water project construction, which is scheduled to start on Monday next week.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Moleleki said the water project has three main sources, one of which is located at Ha Souru in Teyateyaneng River, where two holes have been bored. It will supply water to St. John Apostolic Church in Lekokoaneng.

Mr. Moleleki added that water from the first hole would be pumped and directed to a main water reserve of Ha Makoatlane. He said one of the holes produce four litres of water per second.

‘There are four thousand people in 21 villages, while the water supply project can supply up to eight thousand people, this means that there will be enough water to spare.'

He said the last water source is at Ha Ntaja, whose water would be pumped by means of solar energy, to reinforce the supply of water.

The Minister appealed to the contractor who would carry out the construction to employ members of the public without discrimination.

At the same occasion, the Lesotho Peoples Congress (LPC) Party Leader, Mr. Kelebone Maope thanked the Lesotho Government for its considerate decision to construct a project of such magnitude at Lekokoaneng.

He said the project would solve the current shortage of water in the area, noting that after completion of the project people would no longer travel long distance to get water.

About twenty-one villages including the villages of Ha Motsikoane and Ha Mopokotsa are expected to benefit from the project.
The construction of Lekokoaneng water project is expected to take nine months.

Source: LENA 18/07/2008