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By Newz.Africa, Africa Desk | Mokhotlong District, Lesotho | Published: 20 January 2026 | Lesotho village solar farm no power
A rural Lesotho village surrendered communal land to host a solar energy project. Years later, it remains without electricity. This situation exposes a growing gap between renewable-energy investment and local energy access. Residents of Maphiring village in Mokhotlong district had certain expectations. They thought they would receive electrification after allowing OnePower Lesotho to install a solar farm and project offices in 2022. Instead, the village remains in darkness while neighbouring communities receive power.
Land given up, expectations unmet
Community leaders say grazing land was set aside to make way for solar panels. The understanding was that the village itself would benefit from electricity access. Village Chief Ntoetsi Letsie said residents did not receive compensation for the land. They were also not connected to the mini‑grid once the plant became operational.
Villagers also claim Maphiring was excluded from training initiatives linked to the project, while neighbouring communities were included. In 2024, residents protested by blocking the access road to OnePower’s site. They demanded clarity on when power would be delivered to their homes.
Company cites concession limits
OnePower Lesotho acknowledges the community’s frustration but says the delay is due to contractual constraints. The company’s director of operations, Tumelo Makhetha, stated that electricity can only be supplied to villages listed in concession agreements. These agreements must be approved by Lesotho’s Department of Energy. Maphiring, he said, was not initially included in the Matsoaing concession area.
The company maintains that Maphiring has since completed the necessary steps for inclusion. They state that the delay in electrification is now “purely due to a scheduling issue”.
Broader questions for green development
The case has renewed debate in Lesotho over whether rural communities hosting renewable‑energy projects are receiving fair and timely benefits. Lesotho relies significantly on imported electricity. Only around half of households are connected to power nationwide. This situation pushes the government to fast‑track solar investments.
Energy analysts warn that projects which bypass host communities risk undermining public trust in renewable expansion. This concern arises at a time when Solar PV is positioned as central to Lesotho’s development strategy.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
Newz.Africa examined corroborating reporting by GroundUp and Daily Maverick. This was done to verify the timeline, land concessions, and electrification status of the solar project.
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