Rehabilitation of Pitso House Begins Ahead of King Letsie III Birthday Celebrations in Mokhotlong

Rehabilitation work at Pitso House in Mokhotlong has officially started as part of preparations for this year’s national King’s Birthday anniversary celebrations scheduled for July 17. The project is being carried out to ensure the venue is ready to host key activities linked to the celebrations. Local authorities have confirmed that the work began last Sunday and is expected to be completed before the end of the month. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to prepare Mokhotlong for national-level participation in the event. Pitso House holds historical and administrative importance within the district. Its restoration is seen as a priority to support smooth hosting of official gatherings. The project also reflects the district’s commitment to meeting national expectations for the celebrations.

Mokhotlong District Administrator Mr. Kepa Keqe has confirmed that the rehabilitation work is progressing as planned. He explained that Pitso House requires significant repairs due to damage sustained over several years. According to him, the building is a government property that was originally constructed by the Ministry of Local Government. He also noted that restoring the facility is essential for Liphamola and surrounding areas to properly host events linked to the King’s Birthday. The urgency of the project reflects the importance placed on this year’s national celebrations. Authorities are working within a tight timeline to ensure completion before key events begin. The focus remains on restoring the structure to a usable and safe condition.

Reports indicate that Pitso House suffered major destruction after a fire incident in February 2016. Since then, the building has remained in a damaged state, limiting its use for official functions. The current rehabilitation effort aims to reverse years of deterioration and bring the facility back into service. Work being carried out includes structural repairs and general restoration to ensure the building can support public gatherings. The restoration is also expected to improve the district’s capacity to host national events in the future. Local stakeholders have expressed support for the project, highlighting its importance for community engagement. The rehabilitation is viewed as a step toward preserving public infrastructure that carries administrative value.

King Letsie III, who will be celebrated on July 17, was born in 1963 at Scott Hospital in Morija. He is the eldest son of the late King Moshoeshoe II and Queen Mother ‘Mamohato Bereng Seeiso. He is married to Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso and is a father of three children, Princesses Senate and ‘Maseeiso and Prince Lerotholi. The King’s Birthday celebrations are observed annually as a national event in Lesotho, bringing together communities from different districts. This year’s hosting in Mokhotlong places additional focus on infrastructure readiness and community participation. The rehabilitation of Pitso House plays a key role in supporting the smooth execution of these national activities.