The Deputy Prime Minister, also Minister of Justice, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Justice Nthomeng Majara says the launching of Support for the Reform and Strengthening of Government in Lesotho is a milestone in the history of this country.

She made the remarks at the Leshoboro Seeiso Stadium in Mafeteng on Wednesday where she said the programme has come at the right time when the country is engaged in reviewing of reforms.

The Deputy Minister indicated that it is well known the country is experiencing serious challenges in governance where there is ill-treatment of human rights as members of the community are being brutally killed and children and women abused.

She said these are the symptoms that there is a delay in law and Justice, saying for a long time, community members at the village level were able to solve their conflicts but now things have changed.

Speaking on behalf of the Likhoele Principal Chief, Mr. Tebello Sello expressed gratitude for the programme which is intended to benefit members of the community.

He said through the Support for the Reform and Strengthening of Government in Lesotho Programme the community will be able to know all issues concerning law and justice.

Mr. Sello said the launch is not enough and those involved should continue explaining all necessary steps to the consumers, urging regular visits to media such as Lesotho, television, local radios and print media for education strengthening.

On the other hand, the Member of Parliament for Mafeteng Constituency Mr. Moeketsi Motšoane thanked the government of Lesotho through the involved ministry for taking the activity in the district.

He said the initiative is the beginning of decentralization, saying they feel honoured and said the majority of all issues surrounding the programme affect rural communities as the majority of these services are being offered in town where rural communities are not able to access them due to various constraints.

The European Union (EU) Head of Delegation, Mr. Mario Varreenti said the EU is working closely with the majority of countries and Lesotho is no exception.

He said the European Union has been supporting the country within different categories that include the implementation of reforms for the benefit of the nation.

Mr. Mario further noted that the EU will continue to support the country in different programmes to ensure the rule of law in good governance and justice.

He highlighted that the programme is intended to oversee the accountability of various issues concerning law and justice.

On behalf of the Lesotho Non-governmental organisations, Mr. Tšepo Mosoeu said they would like to see the review of reforms completed.

He noted that the completion of the reforms review will help the consumers know the law will be effective against the perpetrators, saying they are also not impressed with the delayed justice whereby perpetrators are being arrested and released without being punished.

Mr. Mosoeu added that the tendency discouraged members of the community from reporting crime knowing that nothing would be done, instead, they would see suspects walking around with them in their villages after being arrested.

The Mafeteng District Administrator, Mr. Motinyane Motinyane thanked the government for taking the big project to the district of Mafeteng as most activities of this nature are taken to other districts.

The Support for the Reform and Strengthening of Government in Lesotho is a five-year project funded by the European Union to the tune of 38 million. It is expected to end in 2027.

Source: LENA 20/09/2023