THE PRIME MINISTER INAUGURATES MOHLAPISO BRIDGE IN QACHA'S NEK
Communities living along the Senqu River witnessed a long time coming dream fulfillment as the Mohlapiso Bridge and a five kilometre road were officially inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Dr Pakalitha Mosisili on Thursday.
The project, which was funded by the Lesotho government cost over M120 million. Construction of the project that was constructed by China Geo-Engineering Corporation began in April 2009 and ended in September 2011.
The Mohlapiso Bridge which is 150 meters long with three piers of maximum height of 15 meters was designed by Aurecon Lesotho.
''This development does not only facilitate movement across the Senqu River, but has also reduced travelling time to the Qacha's Nek town,” Dr Mosisili said, adding that it has also opened opportunities for other forms of economic activities for communities.
He said it is the government's intension to build as many bridges and roads as possible to alleviate rural communities' plight, however noting that the topography poses a challenge as such constructions become costly hence appealed to all to protect developments made in their areas.
''Glory be to God for having made it possible for us to achieve this,'' he praised, noting that with installation of electricity and construction of roads and the bridge, Mohlapiso area has truly become an overseas village, maintaining that communities in this area will against all odds, defeat all hardships in this regard.
Dr Mosisili further mentioned that Roma to Sekake road construction has since begun and that in no time, Maseru to Qacha distance will be reduced by 140 kilometres as the road is expected to be completed between two to three years of time.
In the same spirit, Member of Parliament for Lebakeng Constituency, also the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr. Semano Sekatle expressed gratitude that the Prime Minister entrusted them to execute such a great responsibility to develop the rural society.
''The river had endangered and claimed several lives of both young and old people living across it,'' he commented, noting that construction of the bridge will end their misery.
Present at the event included the Chairperson of Nts'upe Community Council, Mr. Moloi Molungoa who expressed gratitude over the development achieved in their area.
The Principal Chief's representative, Mr. Halekhethe Makhaola said the development signifies a historical moment in the lives of Qacha's Nek community.
Gifts were awarded to Members of Parliament of all three constituencies thus Qacha's Nek, Lebakeng and Tsoelike respectively.
The inauguration was graced with the presence of Cabinet Ministers, Principal Secretaries, Public Servants and the general public which performed traditional songs and dances.
Source: LESOTHO NEWS AGENCY 15/12/2011
