The Prime Minister, Dr Pakalitha Mosisili says 2011 has been a year of outstanding performance with a number of projects implemented.

Dr Mosisili said in general, the performance improved in various government ministries, highlighting provision of peace and security by members of the armed forces during the Local Government elections held in October this year.

He also commended them for working hard to maintain safety and security despite the challenges that included a series of demonstrations which took place in Maseru.

He strongly urged Basotho to opt for negotiations when they have complaints since some demonstrations which were held by some groups of people were not peaceful.

Talking about other achievements which the country managed to attain despite the global economic crisis, Dr Mosisili highlighted the establishment of Treasury Bonds amounting to M250 million to attract more foreign investors for economic growth and job creation.

'The initiative enabled the country to overcome the impact of the economic recession expected to continue hitting the international communities around the globe,' he said.

Regarding trade, Dr Mosisili said the government formulated the new Companies Act to reduce time taken by traders to register their companies.

He stated that government also managed to collect M55, 000 old age pension, which was paid to 1,899 senior citizen who are late and M1.4 million which was still paid to former 939 public servants.

On the education sector, the PM said the Ministry of Education and Training passed the Education Act 2010 to promote Free and Compulsory Primary Education in the country.

'The challenge which remains now is to make sure that children constituting 18 percent who are out of school, attend school for universal access to primary education,'he stressed.

Dr Mosisili added that the government approved rationalisation of school fees which will start in January next year in all public schools.

Commenting on agricultural sector, the Prime Minister  said this year, farming declined as a result of severe drought and heavy rainfall preventing farmers to embark on crop farming.

He said the situation is still expected to continue for next year and will lead to shortage of food.

Dr Mosisili said the Ministry of Public Works launched a network of roads infrastructure and bridges in various parts of the country while the Parliament passed the Communications Act 2011 to facilitate and turn the Postal Services and Broadcasting divisions into Corporations.

Furthermore, the he said the government officiated the construction of Queen 'Mamohato Memorial Hospital which resumed duties on October 01, advising Basotho to lead positive lives and prevent new HIV infections.

Dr Mosisili appreciated financial support from international organisations with Lesotho receiving M372 million grants and M87.5 million from the International Monetary Fund through extended credit facility programme in 2010/11 while in 2011/12 the government received M324.5 million under same facility.

The Prime Minister  wished Basotho a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Source: LENA 24/12/2011