The Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili underscored the importance of road networking for the advancement of socio-economic development of the country.

In his address speech at the official launch of the construction of Lithabaneng-Ha Seeiso access road to Metolong Dam at Thaba-Bosiu on Monday, Mr. Mosisili said upgrading and rehabilitation of the road will facilitate and improve traffic movement to Metolong Dam.

He highlighted the significance of the upgrading and rehabilitation of the road, which he said is among other advanced infrastructures for Metolong dam project that include water supply and provision of electricity to villages around the dam, where more than 300, 000 people will benefit from the project through provision of jobs.

He said the road, which will be of high quality will also entail construction of two bridges at Phuthiatsana River, adding that the project is one of the milestones towards achieving government's commitment to provide infrastructure that could improve the lives of the community.

He stressed that on completion; the road will not only facilitate access to Metolong dam, make travelling faster, but will ignite economic development and improve tourism in the area.

Apart from extending a special message of peace, unity and peace among the public, Mr. Mosisili appealed to the Thaba-Bosiu community to protect developments and assist contractors in every way possible to make the project a success.

Speaking at the same occasion Chief Khoabane Theko of Thaba-Bosiu commended the government for its commitment to develop Lesotho, especially the Thaba-Bosiu fortress, which he said is the historical site of Basotho hence the need for it to be developed.

He advised the road construction company to hire people without bias, giving first preference to residents of Thaba-Bosiu. He also appealed to the government to construct a tarred road for Ha Khoabane village, which he said can give the public and tourists an access to a close view of Qiloane Mountain.

The road is being constructed at a cost of M202 million with a funding from the government of Lesotho through the Lowlands Water Scheme under the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The design of the construction, which commenced in October last year is being undertaken by Rumdel Construction, while the supervision is carried out by AFRICON Lesotho.

The project is envisaged to be completed by March next year.

Source: LENA 25/02/2008