Semonkong: The Right Honourable Prime Minister Samuel Matekane, joined by Cabinet Ministers and stakeholders in the electrification sector, inaugurated a new hydropower station in Semonkong aimed at enhancing access to reliable electricity for the local community. According to African Press Organization, for years, the residents of Semonkong have depended on solar power, which provided energy only for about 14 hours a day, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. During the launch event, Prime Minister Matekane noted that Semonkong had been declared a town many years ago, and a mini-hydropower station was constructed there in 1990. However, the facility faced significant challenges and could not meet the community's electricity requirements. The Prime Minister highlighted that the station had also relied on generators, causing environmental pollution. He stated that the current government has set a goal to ensure every Mosotho has access to electricity by 2030 and is actively working to achieve this. Moreover, a feasibility study for an 80-megawatt hydropower station and another project in Mohales Hoek are underway to boost Lesotho's electricity generation capacity. For the Semonkong project, Mr. Matekane outlined plans to revive the existing 220-kilowatt hydropower station, install a battery storage system with a capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours, and provide a diesel generator as a backup. This initiative is expected to supply electricity to approximately 100 households around Semonkong town. The project, which is set to cost around M78 million, is being implemented with World Bank support. Prime Minister Matekane emphasized that the project would significantly improve the livelihoods of the Semonkong people. At the conclusion of the event, the Prime Minister distributed 400 blankets to Community Policing Forums and bags of grain to needy community members. Breastfeeding mothers also received birth certificates for their infants and financial assistance to support their children's needs. Acting World Bank Representative in L esotho, Ms. Mafupu Mokoena, expressed the World Bank's pride in being part of the initiative, highlighting the commitment of stakeholders to enhancing livelihoods and ensuring Lesotho's growth despite its challenges. She conveyed hope that the project would significantly benefit the education and tourism sectors and improve health centers and businesses in Semonkong. Ms. Mokoena urged the community to protect the equipment and infrastructure to ensure the project's sustainability. Member of Parliament for Maletsunyane, Mr. Peiso Kelane, recounted the hardships faced by the community due to unreliable electricity, including a period of two consecutive months without power. He noted that businesses collapsed, and corpses had to be transported to mortuaries in Maseru, underscoring the urgent need for power infrastructure. Mr. Kelane mentioned that while there are currently three generators at the power station, they have proven insufficient to meet the community's needs, emphasizing the project's importance. T he Semonkong community currently has access to solar power for approximately 14 hours each day.