Mohale FM THE once-iconic Victoria Hotel in central Maseru is set to be demolished to pave the way for a new government office block. The hotel, long mired in controversy, is expected to be torn down in the 2027/2028 financial year after ceasing operations in 2023.
Public Works and Transport Minister, Matjato Moteane, told the Lesotho Times this week that the building should have been demolished long ago due to the presence of asbestos in its roofing. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once widely used in construction materials such as roofing sheets, floor tiles and automotive components like brake pads because of its resistance to heat and corrosion. However, the mineral has been linked to lung cancer and other severe health conditions.
Mr Moteane said besides the health risks posed by the asbestos, the government intended to redevelop the site as part of its Office Park and Residence Maintenance project, which aims to construct new government office facilities.
The Office Park and Residence Maintenance project has been allocated M100 million for the 2026/2027 financial year. However, Mr Moteane said the demolition of Victoria Hotel had not yet been included in the current budget as the design and planning phases had not begun.
