National Infrastructure Master Plan 2025-2030
Executive Summary
Infrastructure is the backbone of economic development and social progress. Lesotho's current infrastructure deficits significantly constrain economic growth, limit access to essential services, and impede poverty reduction efforts. This comprehensive Infrastructure Master Plan outlines the Popular Front for Democracy's vision for transforming Lesotho's infrastructure landscape to support sustainable development, economic diversification, and improved quality of life for all citizens.
Our master plan addresses critical infrastructure gaps in transportation, energy, water and sanitation, digital connectivity, and social infrastructure. Through strategic investments and innovative financing mechanisms, we aim to create a modern, resilient, and inclusive infrastructure network that serves as a catalyst for national development.
Current Infrastructure Status
Key Infrastructure Challenges
Transportation Infrastructure
- Poor road network quality, especially in rural areas
- Limited all-weather roads affecting year-round connectivity
- Inadequate public transportation systems
- Poorly maintained existing road infrastructure
- Limited border crossing facilities and trade logistics
- Underdeveloped rural access roads
Energy Infrastructure
- Low electricity access rate despite significant hydropower potential
- Over-reliance on imported electricity from South Africa
- Limited rural electrification programs
- High electricity costs for consumers and businesses
- Underdeveloped renewable energy potential
- Poor transmission and distribution network
Water and Sanitation
- Inadequate water supply infrastructure in urban and rural areas
- Poor water quality and treatment facilities
- Limited wastewater treatment systems
- Inadequate sanitation facilities, especially in rural areas
- Poor water resource management and conservation
- Limited irrigation infrastructure for agriculture
Digital Infrastructure
- Limited broadband internet coverage outside major towns
- High internet costs limiting digital inclusion
- Poor mobile network coverage in mountainous areas
- Limited government digital services and e-governance
- Underdeveloped ICT infrastructure in schools and hospitals
- Limited data centers and digital infrastructure
Vision and Strategic Objectives
Our Vision
A modern, integrated, and sustainable infrastructure network that supports economic growth, improves quality of life, and positions Lesotho as a competitive and connected nation in Southern Africa.
Strategic Objectives by 2030
- Increase electricity access from 30% to 80%
- Increase paved road coverage from 18% to 50%
- Achieve 95% safe water access nationwide
- Increase sanitation coverage to 80%
- Achieve 75% internet penetration
- Upgrade 90% of schools and healthcare facilities to good condition
- Reduce logistics costs by 30% through improved infrastructure
Infrastructure Development Pillars
Roads and Transportation
Comprehensive road network development and modernization:
- Construct 1,000km of new paved roads
- Rehabilitate 800km of existing roads
- Upgrade major border crossing facilities
- Develop rural access roads program
- Modernize public transportation systems
Energy Infrastructure
Expand energy access and diversify energy sources:
- Construct 200MW hydroelectric power plant
- Develop 100MW solar power capacity
- Expand electricity transmission network
- Implement rural electrification program
- Develop renewable energy export potential
Water and Sanitation
Ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation:
- Construct 500 water supply schemes
- Build 10 modern water treatment plants
- Develop wastewater treatment systems
- Implement irrigation infrastructure
- Protect water sources and catchment areas
Digital Infrastructure
Build inclusive digital infrastructure for all:
- Deploy national fiber optic network
- Establish 4G/5G mobile coverage nationwide
- Build public Wi-Fi zones in communities
- Develop data centers and cloud infrastructure
- Create digital government platforms
Social Infrastructure
Modernize education and healthcare facilities:
- Construct 200 new schools
- Build 10 regional hospitals
- Upgrade existing school infrastructure
- Modernize healthcare facilities
- Build sports and recreational facilities
Urban Infrastructure
Develop sustainable urban infrastructure:
- Urban planning and development
- Modern housing development
- Waste management systems
- Public transportation networks
- Smart city initiatives
Flagship Infrastructure Projects
Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II
Complete the second phase of the water transfer project with enhanced benefits for Lesotho including expanded electricity generation and water supply infrastructure.
Mountain Road Network
Develop a comprehensive mountain road network to improve connectivity in highland areas, support tourism, and facilitate market access for rural communities.
Renewable Energy Hub
Position Lesotho as a renewable energy hub in Southern Africa through large-scale solar and wind power projects for domestic use and export.
Digital Highway
Create a national digital infrastructure connecting all districts with high-speed internet and enabling digital services for citizens and businesses.
Implementation Framework
| Phase | Timeframe | Key Projects | Investment (M Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Foundation | 2025-2026 | Critical infrastructure, planning, capacity building | 3,000 |
| Phase 2: Expansion | 2027-2028 | Major infrastructure development, network expansion | 5,000 |
| Phase 3: Completion | 2029-2030 | Project completion, integration, optimization | 4,000 |
| Total Investment | - | Comprehensive infrastructure transformation | 12,000 |
Investment Strategy
Financing Mechanisms
Diversified financing strategy to ensure sustainable infrastructure development:
- Public Investment: M4 billion from government budget and sovereign wealth fund
- Private Sector: M6 billion through PPPs and private investment
- Development Partners: M1.5 billion from multilateral and bilateral partners
- Infrastructure Bonds: M500 million through domestic and international bonds
- Concessional Financing: M500 million from development finance institutions
- Innovative Finance: M500 million through green bonds and climate finance
Priority Infrastructure Sectors
High Priority Infrastructure Sectors (2025-2026)
Infrastructure Quality Standards
Quality and Sustainability Standards
All infrastructure projects will adhere to international quality and sustainability standards:
- ISO certification for construction and project management
- Green building standards and environmental sustainability
- Climate resilience and disaster risk reduction
- Aging-friendly and accessible design principles
- Local content and skills development requirements
- Technology transfer and knowledge sharing
Job Creation and Economic Impact
Employment Generation
Infrastructure development will create significant employment opportunities:
- Direct Jobs: 150,000 construction and engineering jobs
- Indirect Jobs: 75,000 jobs in supporting industries
- Skills Development: Training for 50,000 workers in technical skills
- Local Content: 70% of workforce from local communities
- Youth Employment: Special focus on young workers and apprentices
- Women's Participation: 30% target for women's employment
Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
Comprehensive monitoring will ensure project success and accountability:
Key Performance Indicators
- Physical Progress: Project completion rates and milestones achieved
- Financial Management: Budget utilization and cost efficiency
- Quality Assurance: Compliance with technical standards
- Social Impact: Beneficiary reach and community satisfaction
- Economic Benefits: Job creation and economic stimulus
- Environmental Impact: Sustainability and climate resilience
Conclusion
Infrastructure development is a critical catalyst for Lesotho's economic transformation and social progress. This comprehensive Infrastructure Master Plan provides a strategic roadmap for addressing our infrastructure deficits and building a modern, resilient, and inclusive infrastructure network.
The Popular Front for Democracy is committed to implementing this master plan with efficiency, transparency, and accountability. We recognize that quality infrastructure is essential for improving living standards, creating jobs, enhancing competitiveness, and achieving sustainable development.
Success will require strong partnerships between government, private sector, development partners, and communities. Together, we can build the infrastructure foundation that will propel Lesotho toward a prosperous future and ensure that all citizens benefit from quality infrastructure services.
Prepared by: Infrastructure Development Committee, PFD
Date: April 2025
Contact: infrastructure@pfd.org.ls