LEJONE Mpotjoane, chairman of the Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) board, a utility company charged with the responsibility of supplying electrical energy to all households in Lesotho said they have been in the media for the wrong reasons, adding however that the company is committed to correcting any form of challenges linked to it under its new strategy for the next three years.
business
Dec. 1, 2021
NEO SENOKO
3 min read
LEC in the media for wrong reasons - Chairman
LEC Managing Director, Mohato Seleke
Story highlights
Utility company signs solar energy deal with Norwegian outfit
LEC accused by members of the public of lack of commitment towards serving the nation as well as lack of leadership
He said this recently as the company launched its new strategy which is expected to provide a clear roadmap as the company seeks to improve on its mandate and service delivery going forward.
“We have been in the media for the wrong reasons, but we commit to correct some of the challenges with this new strategy,” Mr Mpotjoane said in his opening remarks during the event.
The LEC has been among others accused by members of the public of lack of commitment towards serving the nation as well as lack of leadership.
Others accuse the utility company of failing to get anything right as per its mandate.
Poor and old infrastructure together with lack of funds are some of the challenges faced by the company.
LEC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mohato Seleke acknowledged some of the challenges but emphasised that while the new strategy will not bring immediate changes to its operations, it will however, provide guidance that will eventually bring the desired changes.
“Among other things, we have been accused of lack of leadership and that means we have to double our efforts going forward in order to achieve our mandate. Our strategy is aligned with the National Strategic Development Plan II and the Lesotho National Energy Policy of 2015 to 2025. The policy is also aligned with the National Strategic Development Plan,” Mr Seleke said.
Just a few days after the launch of the new strategy, LEC entered an agreement with Scatec, a leading renewable power producer to build the first IPP solar project of 20 MW in Lesotho.
The Power Purchase Agreement, Connection Agreement and the Implementation Deal were signed at an official ceremony held in Maseru, which marked the culmination of successful negotiations with the LEC and the Government of Lesotho.
The project will be funded by the Renewable Energy Performance Platform (REPP) and equity co-sponsors, Scatec Norfund, One Power Lesotho, Izuba Energy and the Lesotho Pension Fund.
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“We are proud to be the first IPP to develop a solar project in Lesotho, an important step for Scatec in the country.
“The Southern African Region is a key market for Scatec, and a region with great potential for the development of affordable clean energy. Scatec is a leading solar IPP in the region, and we look forward to expanding our footprint and developing more renewable energy in years to come,” Scatec General Manager for Sub-Sahara Africa, Jan Fourie said.
Scatec will build, operate and majority-own the facility under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with financial close expected early next year.
Scatec is a leading renewable power producer, delivering affordable and clean energy worldwide. As a long-term player, Scatec develops, builds, owns and operates solar, wind and hydro power plants as well as storage solutions.
Scatec has more than 3.5 GW in operation and under construction on four continents and more than 500 employees. The company is targeting 15 GW capacity in operation or under construction by the end of 2025.
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