Lesotho joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Water Day (WWD) in Maseru on Friday.
This event started with a demonstration at Masianokeng Hydrometric Station (MHS) – a site where water quantity (water level and flow) is collected and recorded amongst others.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister, the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Natural Resources Ms. Relebohile Lebeta said in celebration of the theme “Water for Peace”, all are reminded of the critical importance of water in fostering peace and sustainable development across nations.
Mrs. Lebeta acknowledged this year’s theme focusing on various aspects of relations between water and people, saying this is key to note especially as the country proceeds with basin strategies and policies on water.
“Let us reaffirm our commitment to harnessing the transformative power of water, to build bridges of understanding, and cooperation as water knows no boundaries”, she stressed.
Similarly, Department of Water Affairs (DWA) Director, Mr. Motoho Maseatile said the theme comes at a crucial time when the country is on a 200-year celebration, thus as descendants of peace spearheaded by the late father of the nation, King (Morena) Moshoeshoe 1.
He alluded that there is a need to learn more about water so that even as the water agreements and discussions are made with other countries of the world such are done peacefully.
Meanwhile, this event further continued at a city hotel where presentations on the water by The Orange – Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) amongst others were made.
ORASECOM is reported to be the largest basin in Southern Africa, with a total catchment area of more than 850, 000km square and includes Lesotho. Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.
In an interview with a Bolikela Primary School student, Ntsoaki Pitso expressed gratitude that as learners they were afforded an opportunity to partake in this activity.
She said water is also valuable to them as children as they use it to bathe when going to school, thus maintaining hygiene.
This day was also celebrated with poems and speeches by students from different schools.
The World Water Day is celebrated annually on March 22 with the aim to raise awareness about the value of water.
Source: LENA 22/03/2024
