The Lesotho highway project that delivered the Makhaola Lerotholi Highway was expected to transform driving conditions and vehicle transport in the remote district of Qacha’s Nek. Instead, many residents say the road construction has left them with damaged homes, unsafe driving conditions, and unresolved compensation claims.

The 91-kilometre highway connecting Ha Mpiti to Sehlabathebe opened in 2024 and was financed through a concessional loan worth about M1.9 billion. Built by an international contractor, the road was designed to improve vehicle mobility, reduce travel time for cars and trucks, and open new tourism routes for drivers visiting Lesotho’s mountain regions.

While the road has improved access for vehicles, a parliamentary report presented in November 2025 revealed that the Lesotho highway project also created serious challenges for communities living along the route.

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Improved driving access but growing safety concerns

The new highway has significantly improved travel conditions for motorists. Drivers heading toward Qacha’s Nek now benefit from a smoother route that allows faster vehicle movement and easier access for delivery trucks, buses, and private cars.

However, residents say construction activities associated with the Lesotho highway project caused structural damage to nearby homes. Blasting used to clear rock during road construction reportedly cracked walls and foundations in several villages.

Rainwater runoff from the highway has also flooded nearby homes and farmland, making some areas unsafe for vehicles and pedestrians alike. In some cases, families were forced to leave their houses and find temporary accommodation because the buildings were no longer safe.

Driving hazards created by construction

Beyond property damage, villagers told investigators that the road construction created new safety risks for drivers and pedestrians.

Some of the reported issues include:

  • Rocks and debris left near roadside areas after construction

  • Destroyed fences that allow livestock to wander onto the highway

  • Closed or blocked footpaths used by children walking to school

  • Abandoned quarry pits close to vehicle routes

These hazards raise concerns about vehicle accidents, particularly at night or during rainy weather when visibility is poor.

Traffic accidents and vehicle safety

Tragedy struck during the construction phase when a truck involved in the project hit and killed a child. Two other children were injured in separate incidents involving heavy machinery and explosives.

Although compensation was provided in some cases, several claims remain unresolved. Safety advocates argue that the Lesotho highway project demonstrates the need for stronger safety rules around construction vehicles operating near villages.

Employment and transport-related economic activity

During construction, the highway project created more than 1,500 jobs, including positions for over 1,300 local residents. The increased presence of construction vehicles also boosted roadside businesses selling food and supplies to drivers and workers.

However, some workers later claimed they were not paid for their labour. Authorities say mediation efforts are underway between subcontractors and employees linked to the Lesotho highway project.

Compensation disputes and unresolved damage

Government officials confirmed that at least 21 villages were affected by the road construction. Out of 149 complaints related to damaged farmland, houses, and roadside property, 95 cases have been resolved while dozens remain pending.

The contractor has promised to repair some houses damaged by blasting and complete community projects originally planned as part of the road development. These include village access roads, playgrounds, and sanitation facilities.

Despite these commitments, many residents say the Lesotho highway project has left lasting scars on communities that expected the road to bring only benefits.

The road ahead for safer highways

Despite the controversy, the highway has improved driving access to one of Lesotho’s most remote areas. The route now allows vehicles to reach tourism destinations such as Sehlabathebe more easily, potentially supporting economic growth.

Lawmakers say the Lesotho highway project highlights the importance of stricter oversight, especially for large infrastructure projects involving heavy vehicles and international contractors.

For readers interested in developments affecting cars, highways, and road safety across Africa, platforms like AfricaCarNews regularly track the latest transport trends shaping the continent.

 Would better road planning and safety checks help prevent these problems in future highway projects? Share your opinion in the comments and join the conversation about safer roads for drivers and communities.