The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) has defended its procurement processes, for the construction of resettlement villages, associated with the Polihali dam.
This is after Unik Construction Engineering, was awarded a tender for the construction and resettlement village housing projects.
In the last three months, some 84 villages were to be relocated, from Thloha-Re-Bue, Masakong and Ha-Thlakoa.
The Ombudsman’s landmark report, led by Advocate Tlotliso Polaki, raised concerns about the handling of displaced communities in the Mokhotlong district.
Polaki said the heavy machinery and blasting used in the construction of the project, led to cracks in houses.
She then ordered the immediate relocation of three villages, back in April this year, including Masakong, Ha Tlhakola, and Tsekong.
She also found respiratory illnesses linked to the construction.
In a statement released on Friday, the LHDA said its processes are “fair, transparent, competitive, accountable and provide value for money, while ensuring prospective contractors possess the technical, financial and operational capacity required to deliver the relevant works.”
LHDA also said it requires to maintain the confidentiality and the integrity of procurement processes underway, by not discussing individual bidders, findings or recommendations, prior to concluding processes.
Picture: Supplied