LHDA Clarifies Issues Pertaining to Resettlement
Mr. Mokaotsi Lakabane and Water Supply in Nazareth
... continued
The Lakabane family in a letter dated 12th April, 2002, to LHDA presented Mokoatsi Lakabane as owner of one rondavel (house) among the properties that had been bequeathed to Molefe Lakabane.
At about the same time, there were 25 somewhat similar claims lodged with LHDA for household status and resettlement packages. As a result, LHDA commissioned a team to investigate and advise on each of these cases. One (1) claim out of the now 26 (including Mokoatsi Lakabane) was subsequently found to be a genuine claim, and duly compensated while 10 were dismissed as illegal encroachment into resettlement areas. Six (6) requested their properties to be included within their household heads structures and this was agreed and done. Nine (9) cases were found to be due some form of compensation which was discussed with them. They took time to accept the offered compensation even after repeated LHDA’s request /reminders (formerly and informally) to do so. In these was included Mokoatsi Lakabane.
In this case, the head of the household remains Molefe Lakabane. Mokoatsi Lakabane is entitled to compensation for the rondavel only. LHDA presented two alternatives to Mokoatsi Lakabane: either, he could get cash compensation to the value of the property, (the value of the rondavel has been calculated at M25,554.25), or LHDA would construct the rondavel of same value. These alternatives were formally presented to Mokoatsi Lakabane on 27 November, 2002. Mokoatsi Lakabane asked for time to go and think about the options. The LHDA has since (on the 11.12.2002) received confirmation that Mr Mokoatsi Lakabane has opted for a replacement house to be located in the Maseru Urban Area (Ha Tsolo). The Authority will now process accordingly.
Nazareth water supply
LHDA, through its Community Infrastructure Branch, contracted Plenty Lesotho (a Non-Governmental Organisation) to construct/install a potable water supply system in Nazareth (and in other villages in the Foothills Region) for the benefit of a population of 891 individuals (survey undertaken in 2000).
Community consultations were undertaken through public gatherings to determine the types of water supply systems that these communities would prefer and be able to operate and maintain. Options discussed were:
- Gravity fed supply system
- Pumping systems which are usually installed where the natural source is located below the village
TheNazareth community opted for the gravity fed system because of its low maintenance costs.
... continued on next page