Moroke Sekoboto 

THE Maseru City Council (MCC), in collaboration with the Road Fund, is making strides to alleviate traffic congestion within the?capital?city.?This week, officials from both organizations inspected several road project sites aimed at reducing traffic flow issues around Maseru. 

These projects, funded by the Road Fund, include the construction of key roads in Moshoeshoe II Cemetery, Chaltin Dam, and Upper Thamae to Lepereng, with a combined value of?M5.8 million. 

The construction of these roads began in December and was initially scheduled to be completed within eight months. However, due to unforeseen delays caused by adverse weather conditions, including heavy rains and snow, the project timeline has been extended by an additional month. 

Despite these challenges, the progress is commendable, with the overall construction currently at about 90 percent completion. Other sites visited included the ongoing routine maintenance of the Main North 1 road from Khubetsona to Mabote, a project worth M7.6 million. 

MCC Project Manager, Relebohile Pule, stressed the importance of these new roads in reducing traffic congestion, which has become a significant issue in Maseru, leading to slower speeds, longer commute times, and increased vehicular queues. 

“We are aware of the traffic congestion around the city, so we have identified these relief roads to help disperse the traffic. The projects include the Moshoeshoe II Cemetery, Chaltin Dam, and Upper Thamae to Lepereng gravel roads, with a total value of M5.8 million,” Mr Pule said. 

He added that while the construction started in December with an eight-month timeline, delays occurred due to heavy rains, snow, and issues with manufacturers. 

“The Moshoeshoe II Cemetery Road is 90 percent complete, Chaltin Dam is nearly finished, while the Upper Thamae to Lepereng road is slightly behind schedule. 

“All these roads are being constructed by B&G Electric and Construction, and payments are made based on work completed. In addition, we have ongoing routine projects involving patchwork on roads within the MCC’s jurisdiction,” Mr Pule added. 

Maseru Mayor, Motlalepula Sepipi, echoed?the?sentiments, acknowledging the severe traffic congestion in the city and affirming MCC’s commitment to rehabilitating the roads to ease the situation. 

“We are all aware of the traffic congestion around the city. It is our duty to address this challenge, which is why we are constructing these relief roads to help disperse the traffic. These roads will benefit the people by reducing the delays they currently face when traveling to and from work,” Mr Sepipi said.