Minister of Agriculture Prioritizes Woolshed Rehabilitation in Upcoming Budget

The Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, Mr. Thabo Mofosi, announced that his Ministry will prioritize the rehabilitation of woolsheds in the next national budget. The announcement came during a parliamentary session when Hloahloeng MP Mr. Katleho Mabeleng raised concerns about several damaged and non-operational woolsheds.

Mr. Mabeleng specifically highlighted the LumaLuma woolshed, which was destroyed after a runaway boulder collided with it, as well as the Ha Ramosothoane and the closed Ha Setofolo woolsheds.

Responding, Minister Mofosi acknowledged the urgent need to rehabilitate woolsheds across the country. He emphasized that fully functional woolsheds are vital for supporting wool and mohair farmers. The Minister explained that the Ha Setofolo woolshed had been relocated to Ha ‘Matsa, Qabane due to limited livestock and poor road access.

Minister Mofosi further noted that inadequate roads delayed the sale of wool and mohair. He highlighted that Ha Setofolo is distant from villages like Koebung and Tiping, forcing farmers in these areas to use the Sekake Woolshed instead.

The Ministry’s planned interventions aim to improve infrastructure, ensuring farmers can efficiently sell and process wool and mohair. Rehabilitation of woolsheds is expected to enhance productivity, reduce logistical challenges, and support the livelihoods of local farmers.

This initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the wool and mohair sectors and addressing infrastructure gaps that hinder rural agricultural communities.