His Majesty King Letsie III says his government will continue with the ratification and implementation of National Reforms.

He said this when presenting the Speech from the Throne during the official opening of the 11th Parliament of Lesotho on Thursday.

In his speech, he noted that the 11th Parliament will ensure that the National Reforms Bill and other reform-oriented bills which the 10th Parliament did not conclude are enacted as a matter of priority.

His Majesty said this day marks another milestone for Lesotho as the country has recently held free and fair elections that resulted in the formation of the 11th Parliament, saying Basotho are now used to the coalition form of government as this is the fourth coalition government.

He noted that the 11th Parliament comes in when the country’s economy is in deep crisis due to Covid-19, climate change, and the war in Eastern Europe.  He, therefore, appealed to the National Assembly to come up with strategies that will boost the country’s economy.

His Majesty said Lesotho is faced with serious challenges, urging members of the National Assembly not to surrender but to work hard for the best interest of Basotho.

He mentioned that Lesotho is a Christian country, qualifying with scriptures that, ‘unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labour in vain.’

He noted that Basotho are losing interest in voting, hence voters’ turnout in this 2022 National Assembly elections is 37.4 percent, saying this could be the result of not trusting in the politicians.

He, therefore, appealed to the National Assembly to put first the interest of the nation before theirs, urging them to protect the image of the Parliament.

His Majesty stressed that the hard work of the National Assembly will uplift the spirit of elections and the voter turnout will increase in the next elections.

He noted that the goals of his government include; investment in agro-industry, food security and nutrition, effective management of national water resources, all to meet the needs of current and future generations.  He added that the government will concentrate also on selling surplus water to countries such as South Africa and Botswana, rehabilitation of roads and other infrastructure projects, generation of renewable energy and improvement of the manufacturing sector.

Lesotho Defence Force graced the event with a parade.

By Staff Reporter: ‘Maphoka Likotsi