Nteboheleng Thamae A M9.4 million project to connect rural homes in Sehlabeng-sa-Thuathe (Thuathe Plateau) to piped water has been abandoned by contractors who are demanding funds to complete the work which, they argue, was increased over the course of the 12-month contract. The government is having none of this saying no
Author: LESCIJ LESCIJ
Impact: SADP moves to audit its grants
Matiisetso Mosala Following MNN's exposé of suspected fraud and corruption within the Smallholder Agriculture Development Project (SADP), the project is contracting an independent consultant to examine if the donor-funded grants that have been dispersed to date have been above board. As part of SADP II, the organisation put out a call for
UK-Diamond company that won water and climate awards has been linked to water pollution in Lesotho
For eight months, Sechaba Mokhethi, Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi, and Cindy Sipula investigated years of outcry from residents living near a UK diamond mining company. The team conducted scientific analysis of water flowing out of the company waste pipe into the community river, used satellite imagery to determine the level of alleged
MCA hires questionable SADP boss, fires her in one month
'Malichaba Nkhethoa celebrating her farewell from SADP on May 3, 2024. © photo supplied Matiisetso Mosala Several months after being outed for turning Lesotho’s donor-funded, Smallholder Agriculture Development Project (SADP) into a personal get-rich-quick-scheme, controversial executive ‘Malichaba Nkhethoa, resigned to take a job with an American-funding organisation. While this move raised questions about
Police accused of bungling minor’s case
Tlokoeng Police Station Manager, Senior Inspector Mphelehetse Khatleli © Retšelisitsoe Khabo Matiisetso Mosala A young girl, who became pregnant while still a minor, has been charged with getting an abortion, which is illegal in Lesotho. But, the family is questioning why the man who made her pregnant has not been charged as
Botswana water transfer project abandons injured worker
An injured worker, Seabata Monare © Billy Ntaote Matiisetso Mosala A worker employed as a guard on a construction site is demanding compensation for loss of livelihood after he was injured at work. The South African company that was employing him as a guard on the Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project in
Villagers demand answers over Botswana water transfer scheme
A view of Makhaleng River from Tsinyane Malealea © Billy Ntaote Billy Ntaote Residents of Tsinyane, which is a village tucked away on the outskirts of Malealea, Matelile, fear that if the Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project begins it is going to mean they lose their ancestral homes as well as their livelihoods. While
SA company signs dubious deal over NMDS debt collections
The Ministry of Development Planning at Government Office Complex. Anti-corruption authorities are probing a deal between two companies which were battling for a lucrative government contract. Photo supplied. RELEBOHILE KHUTLANG A South African debt collecting company has struck a deal with a Lesotho competitor over a government tender to collect debt. The South
‘New energy’ rush is stripping DRC’s natural assets
Mining companies cashing in on global demand for cobalt are destroying protected nature reserves in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Jonas Kiriko visits reserves in the south of the country to investigate Border hotspot: Transport vehicles and small traders at the Kasumbalesa border post. An agent from the customs and excise department said
Widow’s home destroyed by roadworks in Polihali
Mamphasa Monethi As the M562 million construction of key roads linked to the Lesotho Water Highlands Project’s phase second phase powers ahead, a widow’s house near the construction works has been left damaged and possibly unsafe to live in. Contractors have taken some responsibility, done a quick patch of the house,
