Poor road connectivity from Sefikeng to the Masaleng community within the Motanasela Community Council remains a significant barrier to development in the area. Speaking to LENA, Maseleng Electoral Division (ED) Community Councilor Mrs. Matumelo Nthako highlighted the critical issue. She pointed out that essential services such as police, Council offices, and Social Development are located in Sefikeng. However, accessing these services is a major challenge due to the poor road conditions.
“While everyone is affected by the poor roads leading to Sefikeng, pregnant women, patients, and the elderly are the worst hit. Public transport operators have suspended their services, forcing people to walk long distances,” said Mrs. Nthako.
Decades ago, the Council initiated the construction of this road, but it was left unfinished. The intention was to extend it to Ha Matholoana, a hub with health centers, schools, and churches. However, this vision was never realized, leaving the community in a state of isolation.
General Impact of Poor Road Connectivity in a Community like Lesotho
In a country like Lesotho, poor road connectivity has far-reaching consequences. It not only impedes access to essential services but also stifles economic development and social progress. Here are some key impacts:
- Healthcare Access: Poor roads make it difficult for residents to reach health facilities, leading to delayed medical treatment and increased health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions.
- Education: Students face challenges in attending schools, particularly in rural areas. This leads to higher absenteeism rates and lower educational attainment, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
- Economic Activity: Farmers and small businesses struggle to transport goods to markets, resulting in lost income opportunities and limited economic growth. Poor infrastructure can deter investment and development projects.
- Emergency Services: In emergencies, such as natural disasters or accidents, poor road conditions hinder the response time of emergency services, potentially leading to greater loss of life and property.
- Social Isolation: Communities become isolated, reducing opportunities for social interaction and cohesion. This can lead to a sense of abandonment and neglect among residents.
- Public Services: Access to public services like police, social welfare, and administrative offices becomes difficult, impacting governance and the delivery of essential services.
Improving road connectivity is crucial for fostering development, ensuring equitable access to services, and enhancing the overall quality of life for communities. Addressing this issue requires coordinated efforts from government authorities, local councils, and community stakeholders to prioritize infrastructure development and maintenance.
