Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development, who is also Member of Parliament for Maama constituency strongly warned beneficiaries under Manonyane Community Council to use funds from the Economic Inclusion Programme (EIP) strictly for their approved proposals.
He said this during a public gathering held at Maphotong where he emphasized that misusing government support is illegal and offenders will face the full force of the law.
The Economic Inclusion Programme (EIP) is a key part of the Pathways to Sustainable Livelihoods Project (PSLP) run by the government of Lesotho and the World Bank, implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development alongside organizations like World Vision Lesotho.
EIP gives vulnerable households non-repayable grants of M5,400 per family alongside business training, to help people start small businesses such as poultry farming, catering and dressmaking to escape poverty.
He said the government has launched the initiative to extend a helping hand and uplift vulnerable livelihoods saying that diverting the money for unauthorized uses violates the intended purpose.
He said reports show that beneficiaries in other districts spent funds on unintended goods instead of approved projects saying it would be saddening to see his community members face criminal charges over misused funds.
“Beneficiaries must account for every cent with clear, accurate financial logs”, he emphasized.
Moreover, Mr. Lesaoana indicated that proper accountability on small grants can attract much larger future opportunities therefore urged beneficiaries to follow program rules, complete regular bookkeeping and ask for help when facing business challenges.
He highlighted that some past participants turned the initial M5,400 into businesses worth about M100,000. He added that successful beneficiaries have merged companies and hired other people from their communities saying working together in savings groups helps build stronger businesses and brings long-term success.
He added that the beneficiaries will start receiving their money within seven days and those who will not receive it within the said period should liaise with their coaches.
On the other hand, PSLP Project Coordinator Ms. ‘Masechaba Nthunya reiterated emphasizing that the money should not be used for personal or unintended stuff.
She indicated that there could be some delays in mobile money transactions especially for people who submitted other people’s phone numbers as telecommunications companies have to verify such before dispatching the money.
Meanwhile, community members who were grateful said they are eager to see their projects get off the ground and hope to see real changes soon.
The project runs from August 2025 through June 2027. It is active across selected community councils in districts including Maseru , Mokhotlong, Botha-Bothe, Thaba-Tseka and Qacha’s Nek.
About M5.4 million has been set aside to support 1,000 beneficiaries from Manonyane Community Council.
Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]
