Hopolang Mokhopi
THE long-awaited construction of a new fire station in Maseru has officially begun, marking a major step forward in strengthening Lesotho’s emergency response capabilities.
The new station is being built near the Central Bank of Lesotho and is funded by the Chinese government.
The facility is part of a long-standing partnership between Lesotho and China. Through this partnership, the Chinese government has granted Lesotho approximately CNY52 million Yuan (M130 million) to fund the construction.
Once complete, the station will feature fire truck garages, multi-functional training rooms, a training tower, equipment storage, a repair room, and a training field. China will also provide Lesotho’s police service with a fire truck, two water tankers, a hydraulic ladder truck, and a range of firefighting tools and protective gear.
The launch ceremony was led by Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police, Lebona Lephema, on Friday. He was joined by Minister of Public Works and Transport, Matjato Moteane, and the Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho, Yang Xiaokun.
This new state-of-the-art facility will not only provide rapid response to emergencies and disasters but will also serve as a training centre for firefighters across the country.
It is poised to become a cornerstone of Lesotho’s emergency preparedness, offering faster response, stronger protection, and a brighter future.
Deputy Police Commissioner, Mahlape Morai, hailed the groundbreaking event as a historic milestone for the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS).
“This marks a new era for us, a fully equipped fire station that will enhance our ability to save lives and protect property,” she said.
The station will play a critical role in firefighting, rescue operations, and disaster responses. But more than that, it will be a hub of learning and excellence, a place where emergency responders will be trained to meet modern challenges head-on.
“This is not just a building. It is a symbol of hope in times of crisis.”
She expressed deep appreciation to both the governments of Lesotho and China for turning the long-envisioned project into a reality.
“Let us continue to work together, across sectors and communities, so that when this fire station opens its doors, it represents our collective commitment to readiness and responsibility.”
Mr Moteane said the event marked the beginning of a broader fire engine supply initiative.
“Every time we break ground on projects like this, we are declaring that Lesotho is moving forward. This is the Lesotho we are building, one that will never be the same,” Mr Moteane said.
Citing international safety standards and Sustainable Development Goal 11, which focuses on making cities safe and resilient, Mr Moteane said countries had a duty to protect their people from fire, explosions, and other disasters.
“This project is a clear demonstration of our commitment to safety.”
“Our police have always been committed to protecting lives and property. But their efforts have been hindered by a lack of equipment and training. This project directly addresses those challenges.
“We are truly grateful as the government, and I hope as a nation, for this vital support.”
Chinese Ambassador Yang Xiaokun expressed his excitement at seeing the fire station take shape.
“Since arriving in Lesotho last June, I have had the privilege of attending several handover ceremonies of China-aid projects.
“It is a joy to celebrate the completion of projects and the beginning of new ones with our Basotho friends,” Mr Xiaokun said.
He described the upcoming fire station as a future landmark of Maseru, symbolising both friendship and progress.
Addressing the Chinese construction team, Ambassador Xiaokun urged strict adherence to all project regulations and timelines, encouraging high-quality work and successful delivery.
He also called on Lesotho’s government and stakeholders to support the project by ensuring a secure and enabling environment for the builders.