Pascalinah Kabi

FORMER chief accounting officers in the previous coalition government yesterday launched the Gas Mart Lesotho energy franchisee in Maseru.

The shareholders – former government secretary Moahloli MphaKa and former principal secretaries Nonkululeko Zaly, ‘Maphutheho Ranooe, Thato Mohasoa, Moshoeshoe Sehlooho, Limakatso Chisepo, Lebohang Phooko, Teboho Mohlomi and ‘Maroane Dingizayo–collectively formed the umbrella company Blue Fire (Pty) Ltd in November 2015.

They then resolved to venture into the energy business of selling gas and gas-related products hence the decision to buy franchisee rights from South Africa’s Gas Mart.

Three of the nine shareholders were appointed as directors of Gas Mart Lesotho which currently employs three workers – a store manager, cashier and filler.

One of the directors Ms Ranooe told this publication the nine decided to come together to explore business opportunities after the current government terminated their contracts.

“As Basotho we decided to come together with our little contributions to start a company.

“Last year, we officially registered our mother company Blue Fire (Pty) Ltd and after extensive research, we realised that buying a franchise from Gas Mart was much easier as there was a high demand in the energy sector,” Ms Ranooe said.

She said Gas Mart products were affordable to most ordinary Basotho compared to electricity.

“There are a lot of people in our communities still relying on gas for cooking and other household chores because gas is more affordable to them. However, we realised that the market does not cater for a wide range of gas products and this is where we come in,” she said, adding they also provided portable gas equipment for travelers.

Ms Ranooe said they also offered installation services to customers as well as free delivery within a five kilometre radius.

She said customers within the firm’s five kilometre radius could order products telephonically.

“Our mission is to ensure that every Mosotho has access to safe energy regardless of location and economic status. We are also going to negotiate for clean energy as Gas Mart is environmentally friendly. As time goes on we will also sell solar energy products,” she said.