The Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr Retšelisitse Matlanyane says the government is faced with a responsibility to urgently finalise and fast-track progress on pending reforms for the Millennium Challenge Account Compact II to commence in March next year.
Dr Matlanyane said this when introducing the newly appointed Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Compact II at the event held in Maseru on Monday.
She said reforms are key to compact implementation namely, labour and inheritance, irrigation and water reforms for enactment by Parliament.
She noted that failure to adopt the reforms would have an adverse impact where the start of the compact will not happen, saying the government is committed to ensuring that it fulfils these commitments to avoid any delays to this important program for the country.
She further said the MCA Board and the Chief Executive Office are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability within the MCA, adding that they are aligned to ensure a sustained momentum and performance in delivering the compact.
She therefore emphasised that they are committed to an open-door policy, welcoming inputs and collaboration with all stakeholders and partners.
“As the government, we see this vision aligning well with the national development goals and are excited to support and work with them to bring it to fruition,” she said.
Meanwhile, the newly appointed MCA-CEO is Mrs. Mannana Phalatse and The Board of Directors stands as follows, Chairperson Ms. Maleshoane Lekolomola, Mr. Selebalo Moeketsi is a representative from the Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Matsoanelo Monyobi is Deputy Principal Secretary (DPS) at the Ministry of Health, Mr. Moshe Mosase is Principal Secretary (PS) Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Lisema Lekhooana is DPS at Ministry of Natural Resources, Mrs. Makhoabane Lelimo is PS Public Service. Mrs. Mabataung Khalane PS at the Cabinet, Mrs. Matau Futho Letsatsi is the Director of the Ministry of Gender, Mr. Lesenyeho Nkopane is a Youth representative, Mrs. Bongiwe Busi LNFOD representative, Mrs Veronica Sekhibane is a Women representative and Dr Mathabo Tsekoa comes from Pharmaceutical Union.
The Millennium Challenge Account Compact II aims to enhance access to quality healthcare, foster equitable business development opportunities, invest in high-value crop production, and boost profits and formal employment opportunities for women and youth-owned enterprises.
The MCA-Lesotho II is a five-year compact programme expected to commence in March 2024. The US government has funded the Compact with $300 Million.
Source: LENA 23/10/2023
