Leribe closed the year on a high note as residents gathered in impressive numbers for the Consumer Education Roadshow held at Hlotse Taxi Rank on 12 November 2025. Hosted by the Petroleum Fund in collaboration with the Departement of Energy, the event formed part of a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting safety, awareness, and the responsible use of petroleum products across Lesotho.
The lively atmosphere in Hlotse reflected a community eager to learn and engage. From the early morning hours, taxi operators, vendors, commuters, and families streamed into the venue, drawn by a mix of hands-on demonstrations, interactive exhibitions, and practical safety lessons. The Roadshow’s core message, empowering Basotho with essential knowledge on petroleum product handling, resonated strongly throughout the day.
A major highlight of the event was the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) demonstration, which offered residents a practical understanding of safe cylinder usage, regulator installation, and leak detection. As more households transition to LPG for cooking and heating, the demonstration served as a critical public education moment, helping to reduce risks associated with improper handling or storage.
Fire safety drills also captured the attention of attendees as Fire Fighters Logistics Lesotho led engaging, scenario-based activations, showing how to manage household fires, safely extinguish flames, and respond during emergencies. The drills underscored the importance of preparedness, especially in communities where small incidents can escalate rapidly due to the proximity of homes and high-density commercial areas.
Road safety was another essential pillar of the event. The Road Safety Department and the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) guided participants through safe transport of petroleum products, proper vehicle loading, and best practices for travel during the festive season. With road traffic increasing significantly at year-end, the information came at a crucial time, reinforcing the need for caution among drivers, pedestrians, and commercial transport operators.
The Roadshow also featured strong collaboration from Gordon Enterprise, whose technical support amplified demonstrations and contributed to the day’s overall success. Their participation aligned with the broader objective of ensuring that consumers understand not only the benefits of petroleum products but also the responsibilities that come with their use.
In addition to education, the event delivered moments of excitement and appreciation. Community members walked away with practical giveaways, including paraffin drums, LPG stoves, regulators, jerry cans, gas hoses, and branded merchandise. These items were chosen to support safe household energy use, ensuring that the lessons shared during the Roadshow could be applied immediately at home.
Throughout the day, Leribe residents enthusiastically embraced the experience. The combination of entertainment, learning, and community engagement transformed the event into more than just an awareness campaign—it became a celebration of shared responsibility and the collective effort to create safer, more informed communities.
As the sun set over Hlotse Taxi Rank, one thing was clear: Leribe had shown up in full force. The Roadshow not only delivered practical knowledge but also strengthened the relationship between the Petroleum Fund, energy sector partners, and the broader community. It marked a powerful close to 2025’s public education efforts and set the stage for continued outreach in the year ahead.
Rea Leboha Linare! for making this event both impactful and memorable. With communities that are engaged, informed, and committed to safety, Lesotho takes important strides toward an energy-secure and safety-conscious future.
