By Moroke Sekoboto
THE Roads Directorate has upgraded traffic lights to include countdown timers and audible buzzers to help visually and hearing-impaired pedestrians cross roads safely.
The new inclusive traffic signals, activated at the State Library intersection on Kingsway this week, are the first of their kind in Lesotho and will be extended to four intersections along Kingsway.
Speaking at the activation, Roads Directorate Director General, Teboho Mokhoane, said the initiative was designed to make pedestrian travel safer and more accessible for people with visual and hearing impairments.
“The new pedestrian signals will be integrated with the existing system and will feature green walking and red standing symbols, a two-digit countdown timer and an audible buzzer for pedestrians with visual and hearing impairments,” Mr Mokhoane said.
“These features will give pedestrians clearer guidance on when to cross, helping to make crossings on Kingsway safer and easier to use. It forms part of broader efforts by the Roads Directorate to build a more accessible transport network, enabling people of all abilities to travel safely and independently.
“It is a great honour for me today to lead this historic event in our country, where we will launch traffic lights designed to improve the safety of visually impaired and hearing impaired pedestrians.”
Speaking at the same event, Minister of Public Works and Transport, Matjato Moteane, said while crossing a busy road was a common occurrence for many pedestrians, roads could be dangerous places for people living with visual or hearing impairments.
Mr Moteane said the pilot project reflected the government’s commitment to including people with disabilities in planning and ensuring that roads responded to the needs of all Basotho without discrimination.
“Roads and public service areas must be accessible and serve everyone. Inclusiveness will be seen when all people with disabilities know how to get to work, schools and health facilities without any hindrance. Freedom of movement is a fundamental human right. By improving these lights, my Ministry is committed to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as Lesotho is a member of the United Nations.
“Today marks a step towards a Lesotho in which every person can move through our roads with safety, dignity and independence. It is a reminder that public infrastructure must respond to the realities of all who use it. This pilot project reflects a simple but powerful principle. Our roads and public spaces must work for everyone,” Mr Moteane said.
He said accessibility should not be treated as an optional addition to public infrastructure.
“Accessibility is not an optional extra to be added when convenient. It is an essential part of good planning, sound engineering and responsible government. Freedom of movement and equal access are fundamental rights, and by introducing accessible pedestrian signals, we give practical meaning to those rights and advance the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Inclusion becomes real when people can travel to work, school, health services and places of business without avoidable barriers,” he said.
He said the government’s commitment to accessibility should extend beyond improving traffic lights and include ensuring that roads and pedestrian areas were safe for everyone.
“If you look at many pedestrian movement areas, they have become commercial areas. This hinders the free, safe movement of people with all kinds of disabilities. I know that someone may say that, but the jobs are not there; these are the ways in which Basotho try to make a living. However, the right of some to make a living should not be trampled upon by others to travel safely.”
He also raised concern over motorists who ignore traffic lights, saying such behaviour undermined efforts to improve road safety.
“We must stand firm in disciplining and taking strong action against drivers who do not obey these lights. I am concerned about the number of drivers who are seen to be ignoring traffic lights, crossing intersections even when the light is red. This behaviour puts the lives of drivers at risk and is contrary to such plans to improve road safety,” he said.
Mr Moteane appealed to motorists to drive responsibly, slow down, remain alert and give pedestrians enough time and space to cross safely.
He also called on the police to intensify enforcement against motorists who disobey traffic laws and traffic lights.
“Similarly, pedestrians should cross the road at safe, designated crossing points and follow the signs. Road safety is a responsibility that we all must take, and respect for each other on the road is a habit that we must build,” Mr Moteane said.
For her part, Road Fund Chief Executive Officer, ’Matšepang Sekhokoana, said the organisation was proud to fund the project.
She reaffirmed the Road Fund’s commitment to supporting the Roads Directorate in improving the quality of road infrastructure and promoting the safety of road users.
