The Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane expressed pride over the country’s achievement in passing 15 out of 20 indicators for the year 2024 of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
The Prime Minister expressed pride during the presentation of the results by the United States of America (US) Ambassador to Lesotho before the Cabinet at the State House on Tuesday.
Mr. Matekane said the country had achieved a five percent increase compared to last year’s results, expressing hope that the country will do better, urging those responsible not to rest on the achievements but to pull up socks on areas where they did not pass.
He said in the coming year, the country will focus on policies to ensure that Compact II of MCC comes into effect in March next year and promote gender equality and youth empowerment hence Sebabatso.
He added that the government remains committed to eliminating corruption and ensuring that public servants work in the interest of Basotho, saying they will ensure that Basotho have rights to quality health services.
The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the US government for investing in Compact I and II, saying the $300 Million put aside for Compact II will contribute towards Lesotho’s economic vision and help in job creation and poverty reduction.
“I will ensure that every dollar invested in Compact II is used essentially and for its purpose “he stressed.
Speaking at the same event, US Ambassador to Lesotho Mrs. Maria Brewer said Lesotho’s improvement in indicators signifies her commitment to strengthening democratic governance and economic freedom.
Mrs. Brewer also commended the government on enacting three laws in December last year which are conditions to the start of the compact and they include the Counter Domestic Violence Act, Harmonisation Act and the establishment of Millennium Challenge Account –Lesotho which led to the recent establishment of the MCA Board and the appointment of the MCA CEO.
However, she noted that the success of the health and horticulture compact centres on the government’s continuous commitment and actions.
She highlighted that to achieve her entry into force of the compact by March 30 next year, Lesotho must urgently accelerate the enactment of the Labour Bill of 2022, occupational health and safety regulations and additional inheritance reforms.
“Prioritising the enactment of these laws will strengthen Lesotho’s legal framework and is vital as the compact cannot enter into force until they are enacted” she stressed.
Mrs, Brewer also expressed confidence that the government’s ability to meet the conditions precedent to ensure the timely entry into force of the $300 million compact, which will ensure greater access to quality health care, create equitable business development opportunities, invest in high-value crop production and boost profits and formal employment for women and youth owned enterprises.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane introduced the newly appointed Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) last month
Source: LENA 07/11/2023
