MASERU – In a strategic move to minimise operational risks and bolster safety standards across the energy sector, the Petroleum Fund has officially partnered with the Institute of Development Management (IDM) to launch a comprehensive petroleum products usage safety program for fuel attendants. The initiative was formalised on Friday through the signing of a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Under this agreement, the Petroleum Fund will sponsor an initial cohort of 90 fuel attendants, targeting at least one representative from every filling station in the country.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Petroleum Fund Interim CEO Advocate ‘Makananelo Kome emphasised that health and safety remain the organisation’s top priorities, given the volatile nature of petroleum products.

“We decided to push for filling stations to have certified workers who are properly trained in handling petroleum products,” Adv. Kome stated. She noted that while the Fund previously conducted informal training, the lack of a local specialised institution often forced the country to outsource training services from South Africa.

By partnering with IDM, Lesotho establishes its own localised training pipeline, reducing dependency on external providers and ensuring consistent service standards.

The program is designed to bridge the service quality gap between local filling stations and regional neighbours. Adv. Kome highlighted that certified training will not only improve safety but also elevate the level of professional service provided to consumers.

Key highlights of the sponsorship include:

– Full Sponsorship: The Petroleum Fund will cover costs for the first 90 trainees.

– National Reach: The goal is to train one person from each of the 90 filling stations nationwide.

– Employment Mandate: Filling station owners are encouraged to prioritise hiring certified attendants to meet safety mandates.