Implications of lack of road networks on social development in Lesotho

Abstract

Road networks are essential for achievement of social development especially in the remote rural areas. However, governments around the globe seem to be reluctant to provide roads necessary for communities residing in the remote rural areas rather, they focus on providing roads for economic benefits and/or to meet the needs of certain interest groups. Against this background, this research focused on the effects of lack of road networks on social development of rural communities in Lesotho. This study goes beyond other general studies on road infrastructure and development to imagine policy and practice intervention measures for road access to facilitate social development in rural communities. This qualitative research study was conducted in Mokhokhong through interviews and focus group discussions with community members that were sampled using stratified sampling and purposively sampled key informants such as the community leaders, Non- Governmental Organisation representatives and relevant government departments. Findings revealed that the lack of road infrastructure in Mokhokhong impacted negatively on social development of community but mainly women and children. The condition of roads in Mokhokhong leads to failure to reach hospitals by sick people which sometimes leads to deaths, pregnant women give birth at home and children fail to get necessary injections. Students and teachers also struggle to reach schools. The conditions are even worse when it rains. This is as a result of lack of political will and commitment which hinders government institutions such as local authorities from performing efficiently. The study then, concludes that lack of road networks complicates achievement of social development in Mokhokhong because the community is unable to access to primary social facilities. To ensure urgent provision of road infrastructure, outsourcing of funds and 2014 decentralisation policy should be implemented as a matter of urgency to enable entrusted government institutions to effectively deliver their duties.