Seithati Motšoeneng 

MASERU district has been identified as the most vulnerable area to various disasters in the country. 

Maseru leads the four identified districts with 35 percent food insecurity, followed by Mafeteng with 25 percent, while Butha-Buthe and Leribe each have 15 percent food insecurity. 

This?is?according to an urban preparedness study conducted by the Disaster Management Authority (DMA) in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP)?and unveiled at?the Urban Preparedness Programme launch at Avani Maseru on Thursday. 

The?study?aimed to identify disaster hotspots to improve preparedness in urban areas post-COVID-19. The study was piloted in four districts: Maseru, Mafeteng, Butha-Buthe, and Leribe. 

According to DMA’s district disaster management officer, Mamonyaku Koloti, many people living in urban areas were left stranded during COVID-19 due to a lack of preparation for such disasters. 

Among the four towns, Maseru was highlighted as one of the biggest hotspots due to its population density and informal settlements. 

“As the capital of Lesotho, many people move to Maseru seeking better opportunities,” she added. 

Ha-Thetsane, an area in Maseru, was identified as a significant hotspot due to its high population density and industrial nature. 

Ms Koloti?said?life in Maseru?was?complex, with residents coming from all ten districts of Lesotho. 

“Life in Maseru is fast and demanding. Money is essential for everything, from shelter to transportation,” she said. 

She highlighted crime, unemployment, poor town planning, and informal settlements as key drivers of disaster vulnerability in towns. 

Ms Koloti added that COVID-19 was an eye-opener for urban disaster preparedness, revealing that urban residents, despite often being seen as less vulnerable, could?face significant crises due to their way of living. The study revealed that the minimum urban expenditure for a family of four was M1220 per month.