Ha Belo factories near operational after power project completion
Unfinished industrial buildings in Botha-Bothe could soon create jobs as electrification nears completion.
The unfinished industrial buildings at Ha Belo in Botha-Bothe, along with incomplete electricity infrastructure, are nearing operational status after years of delays. The Lesotho National Development Corporation began construction of the M800 million Ha Belo Industrial Estate in 2016, completing 16 factory shells by April last year. The project stalled due to delays in constructing the Ha Belo 33kV substation and associated power lines.
The electrification project, part of the World Bank-funded Lesotho Renewable Energy and Energy Access Project, aims to stimulate economic growth by expanding electricity access. The Ministry of Energy awarded Phaks JV a contract on 18 August 2021 to construct the substation and power line, with an 18-month completion timeframe. The project cost escalated to M121,577,004.21, yet remained incomplete.
Former Ministry of Energy Principal Secretary Themba Sopeng was charged in January 2025 with corruption, embezzlement, and money laundering related to the project. In June 2025, the government refunded M22 million to the World Bank for unaccounted funds for the Ha Belo substation. Current Principal Secretary Tankiso Phapano stated he took office in January 2024, after the contract was awarded.
Why it mattersThousands of residents in Botha-Bothe who anticipated jobs and rental income from the Ha Belo industrial estate can now hope for economic recovery.