Frequently Asked Questions

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What exactly is a Road Reserve?

A road reserve is the entire width of land set aside for a road. It is not just the tarred surface (the roadway). It includes the roadway and shoulders, side drains and sidewalks, the air space above and the ground below these areas and all other areas within the officially marked road reserve boundary. (Roads Act 1969)

Who has the authority over road reserves in Lesotho?

Under the Roads Directorate Act of 2010, the Roads Directorate has the legal authority to:

· Acquire and protect land specifically earmarked for road network development.

· Determine where road reserves are needed.

· Make formal recommendations to the Minister regarding the declaration of these protected areas.

Why can’t I build or set up a business in the road reserve?

Road reserves are protected for future road development and other public needs. Keeping these areas clear ensures that when the government needs to widen the road, improve an intersection or add a sidewalk, the land is available without the need to destroy permanent structures.

Is Contractor categorisation the same as Contractor Registration?

No, it is important to draw a clear distinction between the two. Registration is a standard legal requirement that applies to all businesses operating in Lesotho. Categorisation specifically relates to those road contractors who wish to undertake road construction or maintenance work for the Roads Directorate.

Who can be categorised by the Roads Directorate?

Any registered business that has the desire to enter into the road construction industry or expand its current operations into road construction and maintenance must undergo the categorization process.

When can a new road contractor apply for initial categorization?

The application window opens twice every year in April and September.

How to request for product demonstrations to the Roads Directorate?

The company will make an application to make a demonstration. The application is made in the form of a letter addressed to the Director General.

The company’s contact person will be contacted to provide the product design materials to be distributed to the appropriate audience for review.

The date is set in which the company will make a presentation of the submitted design to the Road Directorate.

The presentation will be followed by a demonstration on the site that will be chosen by the Roads Directorate Laboratory.

The laboratory will monitor the demonstrated product to verify whether it performs as per the given manufacturer’s specification.

The company will also be requested to give a sample to RD laboratory to run laboratory tests on the demonstrated product and then verify the results with the specification.

The Laboratory is expected to make a proper report of the behavior of all demonstrated products. The report assists RD Procurement Office in future procurement of maintenance materials.

How often do you categorize new contractors?

Categorization of new applicants is done twice a year in April and September.

What is the Roads Directorate?

The Roads Directorate was established as a corporate body by the Roads Directorate Act of 2010. The Directorate was formed mainly for better service delivery and more effective and efficient management of the road network. The Directorate is responsible for construction, up grading, rehabilitation and maintenance of primary, secondary, tertiary and other roads as well as bridges on the Lesotho Road Network.