Moorosi Tsiane
Mokhotlong- ALLIANCE Insurance Company began a new chapter with the official opening of its multi-million maloti shopping complex in Ha-Makhakhe in Mokhotlong on Friday, amid declarations by its Chief Finance Officer, Mohapinyane Taole, that “having to travel miles in order to access good services was now a thing of the past,” for the local community.
Renowned retail chains including Shoprite and Pep Stores; Econet Lesotho, First National Bank and Lesotho Post Bank have all set up shop at the new complex which was officially opened by the Principal Chief of Mokhotlong, Mathealira Thomas Seeiso.
The ceremony was also attended by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP). Masupha Masupha.
Mr Taole said the new building was part of the insurance giant’s vision of improving the lives of its clients in different communities.
“It was in 2015 when our Chief Executive Officer, Angus Yeats, visited this place for a sword turning and the building started operating in November last year,” Mr Taole said.
“The issue of Mokhotlong people having to travel to far-off places such as Maseru to access services is now a thing of the past as we have brought some of those services closer to them.
“We also want to thank our clients because if it wasn’t for them this dream could not have materialised.
“This reflects Alliance’s commitment to fulfilling its promise to improve the lives of its clients in different communities. We are hopeful that this building will bring a change into the lives of Mokhotlong community.”
He said they expected to have 42 tenants by February next year and so far 80 percent of the space had been taken up.
For his part, Shoprite Lesotho General Manager, Pitso Melao, said it initially appeared like a “tall tale” three years ago when Alliance approached them about opening a branch in Mokhotlong.
“But here we are today celebrating the official opening of this building. We have been operational for a year now and the business is good.
“The Mokhotlong community deserve good treatment. Let us all make it our responsibility to give them the world class service delivery they deserve,” he said.
Chief Seeiso echoed Mr Melao’s sentiments, saying the building would benefit the community.
“It is good to see this place growing so much thanks to Alliance,” Chief Seeiso said, adding that it the community had a responsibility to take good care of the facility which was a legacy project for their descendants.