Roads Directorate seeks to ease traffic congestion

…convenes stakeholders on National Transport Statistics and Digital Mobility Project

Moroke Sekoboto

THE Roads Directorate has launched a strategic intervention aimed at modernising Lesotho’s transport network and addressing growing pressure on urban mobility and access to services.

As part of this effort, the directorate this week convened key stakeholders to discuss the introduction of the National Transport Statistics Digital Database and the Maseru Urban Mobility Project, initiatives intended to establish a coordinated roadmap to tackle worsening traffic congestion, safety concerns and urban sprawl in the capital.

The workshop also sought to replace fragmented transport data systems with a unified repository to support evidence-based investment decisions and advance a key objective of the National Transport Master Plan.

Discussions focused on refining the consultant’s scope of work, aligning payment structures and assessing existing data systems across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Speaking during the workshop, Roads Directorate Manager for Road Network Planning, Mpho Maqolo, said the gathering provided an important platform to align national and local priorities through three key objectives: finalising the project blueprint, incorporating stakeholder input and defining clear deliverables.

Mr Maqolo said stakeholders were collaboratively reviewing and refining the draft Terms of Reference (ToR) to ensure a legally sound and operationally effective project structure.

He said the process would also capture input from local authorities, transport operators and community representatives to strengthen the project scope and identify operational gaps.

“We are establishing precise, time-bound outcomes and measurable milestones to guarantee accountability throughout the project lifecycle,” Mr Maqolo said.

He explained that a key part of the workshop involved balancing the concepts of mobility and accessibility, which he said are both essential for a functional urban environment.

“Maseru is facing unprecedented pressure on its infrastructure, making immediate intervention necessary.

“We are experiencing rapid urbanisation, with population growth outpacing the capacity of the current transport network. At the same time, the number of private and commercial vehicles continues to rise daily, resulting in significant economic losses through wasted time.”

He said historical linear development patterns along major transport routes had increased travel distances and complicated transport logistics, while rising accident rates highlighted the need to redesign infrastructure to better protect pedestrians.

To respond to these challenges, Mr Maqolo said the final project framework would pursue strategic objectives aimed at transforming Maseru into a safer, cleaner and more efficient city.

These include reducing traffic congestion, improving public transport systems, promoting non-motorised transport (NMT) and reducing environmental impact.

“We aim to reduce travel times within the Maseru urban area through improved traffic management and upgraded intersections,” he said.

“We also want to create safer transport corridors for all commuters, particularly non-motorised road users, and improve the reliability, scheduling and efficiency of existing taxi and bus services.”

Mr Maqolo added that the project would support the development of dedicated infrastructure such as pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes to encourage active commuting and reduce emissions and air pollution.

He said the initiative would align institutional priorities with community needs and position Maseru as a sustainable and accessible capital city capable of supporting economic growth.

Roads Directorate Director for Road Network Planning, Khasapane Kikine, said the National Transport Statistics Database (NTSD) is a flagship initiative arising from the implementation of the National Transport Master Plan (NTSMP) 2024–2044.

Mr Kikine said a specialised consultant would be engaged to help deliver the project and ensure the database becomes a functional, secure and sustainable national statistics repository.

“We want to identify and assess existing databases and data systems across various Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

“We also want to finalise a clear and mutually agreed scope of work to avoid scope creep and ensure realistic deliverables and timelines,” Mr Kikine said.

He said the review process would also establish consultant qualification requirements, reporting structures and payment milestones linked to measurable outputs.

Mr Kikine added that a central focus of the review process was ensuring the assignment’s objectives accurately reflect the ambitious goals of the National Transport Statistics Database.

The post Roads Directorate seeks to ease traffic congestion appeared first on Lesotho Times.