Several villages in ‘Melikane Qacha’s Nek are reported to be struggling with limited access to basic services such as healthcare, education and communication, due to the absence of proper roads and mobile networks that connect these rural communities to the outside world.

’Melikane Councillor Lehlohonolo Mahase revealed that, several villages including Ha Seketana, Khohlong, Kholokoe, Makenong, Letsatseng, Ha Chopho, Sekiring, Ha Thokoa, Thaba-Koto, Lepapaneng, Ha Rasekoele and Khubetsoana, are entirely cut off from essential road access.

Mahase stated that, People Walk up to nine hours to reach ’Melikane Health Centre and then face another nine-hour journey back home, mainly because vehicles cannot reach them. He said that, some communities still rely on stretchers to carry the sick or even the deceased adding that, coordinating community meetings often fails because there is no network.

Local authorities are therefore urging for the government’s support in the form of investment in road infrastructure and communication networks. Meanwhile attempts to reach local chiefs and residents for comment, were unsuccessful due to the network challenges.