By Neo Kolane
Thirty boats that cost M2.7 million maloti were handed over the ministry of transport to help in transporting people in places where bridges have collapsed.
Speaking at the handover, the minister of transport Tṧoeu Mokeretla reminisced that some people lost their lives while trying to swim across rivers, forcing the ministry to plead with the transport sub-committee for boats.
Mokeretla explained that the heavy rainfalls which resulted in floods prevented important movements from taking place due to limited boats.
The minister in the Prime Minister’s office Likopo Mahase made it clear that the boats will carry passengers for free and no one is expected to pay for the service.
He, however, indicated thay privately owned boats will continue to charge passengers.
The new contingent of boats will be distributed to places such Ha Sekake in Qacha’s Nek, Komakoma Thaba Tseka and Ha Phafoli in Mohale’s Hoek.