LESOTHO IS FOCUSED ON SECURING RELIABLE WATER SOURCES TO POWER INDUSTRIES AND CREATE ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH.

The Ministry of Natural Resources, through the Lesotho Lowlands Water Development Project (LLWDP) Phase II, conducted an inspection visit in Leribe to assess progress and determine whether the project is meeting its planned targets.

Speaking during the visit, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Mr. Lira Ralebese, said the purpose of the inspection was to ensure that the project is progressing according to the required standards and expectations.

Mr. Ralebese said although the project started in 2019, its implementation was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected the project timetable. He added that the ministry’s vision is to ensure that clean water reaches all parts of the district, including hard-to-reach areas.

The Project Manager for the Lesotho Lowlands Water Development Project Phase II, Mr. Mathealira Lerotholi, said the project aims to strengthen the capacity of the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) to become self-reliant in providing reliable water services.

He said Maputsoe, being an industrial town with many factories, has a high demand for water, making a reliable supply essential for business operations and economic growth.

Meanwhile, members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Natural Resources raised concern over inadequate funding for the project. They questioned whether the available resources would be sufficient to extend water supply to all targeted areas and urged the project team to explain how it plans to address the funding challenge.

The committee also called on the project team to improve communication with the public to ensure communities have access to information about the project’s progress and activities.

The LLWDP team explained that the main reservoir at Khanyane village is the largest facility under the project and will supply water to reservoirs in Maputsoe and Hlotse.

The team further said that, as part of its compensation programme for communities affected by the construction of the Khanyane Reservoir within the St. Louis area, the project has constructed kindergarten classrooms.

The Lesotho Lowlands Water Development Project Phase II is supported by the World Bank and is funded to the tune of US$109 million.

Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]