LESOTHO GOVERNMENT E𝐗𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓

The Government of Lesotho, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the African Development Bank (AfDB), has officially marked the technical launch of additional financing for the Lesotho Lowlands Water Development and Sanitation Project Phase III (LLWDSP III), signalling further expansion of access to safe and reliable water in Botha-Bothe District.

The additional financing follows a comprehensive review of the original project designs, which identified the need to optimise reservoir locations and extend water distribution networks to reach additional communities that were not adequately covered under the initial funding arrangements.

The expansion is expected to extend access to clean and reliable water to approximately 21,930 additional people across three newly prioritised areas in Botha-Bothe, namely Qalo, including Maloseng and Kontsokoaneng; Botha-Bothe Industrial Area, including Ha Majara Serutle; and Ha Mopeli, including Nqabeni.

The development builds on the original LLWDSP III, which was designed to improve water supply and sanitation services in Botha-Bothe and selected parts of Leribe District. The original project targeted 20 settlements in Zone 1, including Botha-Bothe Town, Ha Belo, Ha Seboche, Qholaqhoe, Makhunoane, Khukhune, ‘Muela, Phelandaba, Serutle, Qalo, Ha Majara, Ha Mopeli, Ha Selomo, Ha Rampai, Matlakeng, Pitsi’s Nek, Ha Khabo, Levi’s Nek, Nqechane and Litlhatsaneng.

At full implementation, the broader project is expected to benefit more than 160,300 people, in addition to supporting 84 schools, 132 churches and 17 public institutions, including health facilities and police posts.

Beyond expanding household access to water, LLWDSP III is a strategic investment in the country’s water security, public health and economic development. Improved water infrastructure is essential for households, schools, health facilities, businesses and industrial activities, while better sanitation services contribute to healthier and more resilient communities.

The project also incorporates institutional strengthening, capacity building and community empowerment to support the effective management, operation and sustainability of water and sanitation infrastructure.

Through this additional financing, the Government of Lesotho reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that more communities benefit from reliable water supply and improved sanitation services. The initiative further demonstrates the Government’s continued partnership with the African Development Bank and other development partners in accelerating infrastructure development and improving the quality of life for Basotho.

Access to safe water is not merely an infrastructure priority; it is fundamental to human dignity, public health and sustainable development. The expansion of LLWDSP III therefore represents another important step towards addressing water supply challenges and extending essential services to communities that need them most.

Source: Government Spokesperson