Assistant Technical Team Leader Highlights Gaps in Lesotho’s Land Act 2010 on Spatial Planning

Thaba Tseka – The Assistant Technical Team Leader, Mr. Jakupa Tony Mansee, has raised concerns over the lack of clear guidelines on spatial planning within Lesotho’s Land Act of 2010. Speaking during a steering committee meeting held in Thaba Tseka on Wednesday, Mr. Teboho Lebusa emphasized that while the Land Act comprehensively addresses land allocation, it falls short on provisions for proper spatial planning.

Mr. Lebusa explained that the constitution clearly mandates that land allocation should be the responsibility of the local councils. However, illegal land allocations continue to be a serious problem in many areas. He pointed out that some individual councillors, local chiefs, and even public servants are still allocating land unlawfully, bypassing official processes.

“This remains a major challenge, despite the fact that the Land Act has provisions that allow for the recovery of land that has been allocated illegally,” Mr. Lebusa stated. He stressed that these unlawful activities not only undermine council authority but also compromise future development plans and land use management in the affected communities.

According to Mr. Lebusa, the absence of detailed spatial planning guidelines has resulted in haphazard developments and infrastructure challenges, especially in rural districts like Thaba Tseka. He urged all stakeholders, including community leaders and government officials, to adhere strictly to the legal procedures outlined in the Land Act.

Mr. Lebusa further called for intensified public education campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of lawful land allocation and the long-term risks of ignoring spatial planning principles.

The meeting concluded with a collective agreement that stricter enforcement measures and improved coordination between government departments and local councils are needed to address the ongoing challenges and ensure sustainable land use across Lesotho.