The Minister of Public Works and Transport, Honourable Matjato Moteane met with the World Bank Mission led by the recently appointed World Bank Country Representative for Lesotho, Ms. Dinara Djoldosheva at the Ministry’s Headquarters, earlier this week.

The purpose of the meeting was to brief the Mission on progress on Lesotho Integrated Transport, Trade and Logistics Project (LITTL Project) aimed at improving climate-resilient regional connectivity on the Katse to Thaba-Tseka Road corridor while also enhancing logistics efficiency and border processes in Maseru, Ficksburg, and Qacha's Nek.

Addressing the meeting the Honourable Minister reaffirmed the government's dedication to the successful execution of the project. He highlighted the road sector's significance in national development and expressed gratitude for the World Bank's support.

The World Bank Country Representative underscored the critical role of connectivity in driving economic growth, particularly for landlocked nations like Lesotho. She stated that the project focuses on private sector-led growth and facilitating logistics for businesses and connectivity for Basotho.

The LITTL project which is expected to be completed within five years, encompasses three key components:

Component 1, with a budget of US$60 million, aims to transform regional connectivity through the upgrading of the Thaba Tseka-Katse Road from gravel to paved standard. Once upgraded, the 55 km road will become a key artery within the Maloti Drakensberg Trans-frontier Corridor, a vital regional network. 

Implemented by the Roads Directorate the component, also includes investments in a sustainable road management system and improvements to the A1 Road, a vital link connecting Maseru, Botha Bothe, and the three key commercial borders of Maseru, Maputsoe, and Caledonspoort.

The road supports commercial farming and the planned climate-controlled packing houses that will extend the shelf life of export produce.

The corridor also supports commercial farming and planned development of climate-controlled packing houses for extending the shelf life of perishable goods due for export.

Component 2, implemented under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development focuses on regional integration and logistics services through the establishment of a Smart One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) facilities at Maseru Bridge and Maputsoe Bridge. It will also improve the Qacha's Nek Border and invest in inland inspection and laboratory testing facilities.

Focusing on people, Component 3 offers technical assistance and capacity building for the agencies implementing the LITTL Project. This will equip officials with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful project execution. Additionally, it fosters stronger regional dialogue on trade facilitation measures.

During their six-day visit, the World Bank mission will also engage with the Ministers of Trade and Industry, as well as Finance and Development Planning. Additionally, they will conduct site visits to the Thaba-Tseka to Katse Road, the A1 and A8 Hlotse intersection, the A1 and A12 Maputsoe intersection, and specific areas of concern along the A1 Road between Hlotse and Maqhaka. The site visits will also include the Maseru and Maputsoe bridges