Lesotho Sandstone company in Lekokoaneng Berea says, covid-19 pandemic has forced them to retrench over 200 workers.

The senior official of Lesotho Sandstone Company Mr. Bokang Liphoto said, before COVID-19, the company used to have over 300 workers where 45 were women, but after the retrenchment, they are only left with 20 women and 81 men.

He pointed out that with such job losses they are working under extreme conditions with remaining workers, so that they can keep the company afloat.

Liphoto said they are currently struggling to sell their finished sandstone products.

He also highlighted that, local support on their products still remains a challenge, as most Basotho still do not value sandstone products as they say they loose color rapidly, unaware that there are some special paints which help them maintain their original colour.