The Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili, says launching of the construction of a water project at Ha Makebe on Thursday marks a milestone of cooperation between governments of Lesotho and the United States of America (U.S.A).

Mr. Mosisili said construction of the multi-million project due to start at Ha Makebe in Berea, which will be coupled with construction of 30 000 ventilated improved pit latrines will benefit 250 villages countrywide.

He said the project is intended to improve the supply of water for households, industries, business premises and the agricultural sector.

He added that the project is also meant to reduce poverty as well as to uplift the country's economy as during its implementation hundreds of Basotho will be employed.

He thanked the American government for its support, noting that the project was signed between the Lesotho government and its American counterpart in Washington on July, 2007.

At the same occasion the US Ambassador to Lesotho, Mrs. Michelle Bond affirmed her country's commitment to continue rendering assistance to Lesotho.

Mrs. Bond congratulated the Prime Minister and the people of Lesotho for the launch of this mammoth project .

She said US through the Millennium Challenge Cooperation (MCC) is proud to be Lesotho's partner, saying that she is looking forward to join the Prime Minister once again during the opening of the first completed rural water and sanitation project.

Also speaking was the Member of Parliament for Seqonoka No. 27, Mr. Kelebone Maope who thanked the government for the project which he said will be of great benefit to the public.

He said water is an important commodity without which life cannot progress.

The water project is being funded by the American government through the Millennium Challenge Account at the cost U$362.2 million.
 

Source: LENA 16/12/2010