The Kingsway in Maseru, the capital, between the Mejametalana Airport and the Royal Palace, was Lesotho's only paved road prior to the country's independence in 1966. In 1999, Lesotho had a road network that measured 5,940 kilometres (3,690 mi), of which 1,087 kilometres (675 mi) were paved.[2] The roads connecting the district centers have received the most attention, but the roads in central Lesotho have also been improved as part of the construction requirements of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.