KEVIN MAYHEW LESOTHO’S ROAD network is constantly being expanded and improved – generally driven by the expanding needs of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. This has facilitated an extensive road transport network for the delivery of large and small cargo to the major centres of the country, according to the Lesotho National Development Corporation. Lesotho’s road network provides excellent access to the cities and ports of South Africa, says the Corporation. What is more the country has three border posts with South Africa - Ficksburg and Maseru which are open 24-hours a day and Caledonspoort which opens until 22:00 each day. This round the clock border access was also driven by the Highlands Water Project that demanded the import of large volumes of products, machinery and maintenance components to meet its needs during construction which took more than a decade. Air services International air services are provided by South African Air Link which operates regular flights from and to Moshoeshoe International Airport in Maseru, the capital. The service to Johannesburg International Airport (JIA) connects with flights to various international destinations. For airfreight, regular road services between JIA and Maseru provide the necessary capacity to meet import and export needs. Presently a pilot air cargo export programme is being considered to establish Moshoeshoe International Airport as a gateway for the import and export of cargo. This will include 400m2 of cold room facilities to accommodate fruit and vegetable exports. Five major courier companies currently provide international express services for documents and parcels. Maseru is linked to the South African rail system for freight only. This caters for the heavier needs of Maseru’s two industrial areas as well as the present call for food aid for the country. Its Maputsoe Industrial Area north of Maseru is situated about two kilometers from the railhead at Ficksburg in South Africa. Most of Lesotho’s international trade moves through Durban and predominantly by road.
