Dr Thabane pledged that government would focus on the development of the private sector. One of the conditions, he said, was to ensure that around M150 million of the budget allocated for the project had been set aside for subcontractors for the development of the local private sector. He showed that other developments attached to the project included roads, water and electricity development. He also described the construction of seven other factories as one major benefit.

“The development is further expected to bring improvement in the public transport sector, cleaning companies, residential rentals and security companies,” he said. He called on investors to give the local business community a chance to contribute to the development of the place such that all Basotho had a piece of the cake. “This can be achieved if resources are procured in Lesotho hence the LNDC would go a long way in developing small businesses and ensure steady business operations.”

Dr Thabane commended the LNDC for fulfilling its mandate to implement policies for economic development countrywide. For his part, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Habofanoe Lehana said the initiative would make it possible to attract more investment. Mr Lehana said the LNDC was currently working towards finishing the Ha Belo industrial project, which he said would upon its completion see the employment of 14 500 Basotho and 20 000 others after its extension.

He said the corporation was on the verge of completing a special economic zone that would house several factories and businesses. Also present at the event was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Qeme Constituency, Nkaku Kabi who expressed his gratitude for the developments directed at his constituency. Mr Kabi therefore appealed for the Qeme community to be given the first preference when employees were hired for the project.