THE M5.1million worth Telu-Khunoana Bridge whose refurbishment was officially launched last week is projected to recruit at least 90 labourers from the Telu-Khunoana area in Berea.

The official construction is expected to commence on March 22, the Minister of Local Government and Chieftainship Affairs Sam Rapapa has shown.

Speaking at the launch, the minister warned the construction company revamping the bridge not to be biased in its labour recruitment process.

“In order to empower the local community, we highly encourage the constructor to engage local labourers irrespective of their political affiliations,” he said.
Mr Rapapa acknowledged local councils and other community leaders for being the voice of voiceless on such projects along with other community development issues.
Sharing similar sentiments, the Minister of Public Works Lebohang Monaheng said the event marked a milestone of development in the area.
The mandate of the two ministries, he said is to enhance service delivery to Basotho, hence the reconstruction of the old bridge.

“Such an infrastructure development initiative is for the benefit of the nation and as a result, civil servants will always play an oversight role during the construction phase,” he said.
Mr Monaheng also emphasised the need to engage local people as labourers in the project.

For his part, the Member of Parliament for the Tšoana-Makhulo constituency Tšoeu Molise said the old bridge was partially destroyed some years back as a result of heavy rains.

Vehicles, he said have to use a long route in order to move between the surrounding villages.

During heavy rains, Mr Molise said learners and people who offer essential services in the area are not able to get around because using the old bridge is quite risky.