The Government of Lesotho through the Minister of Finance, Dr Moeketsi Majoro has on Wednesday signed a loan agreement of over M1 Billion for the Lesotho Water Development Project Phase II.
Speaking at an event held in Maseru, the  Minister of Water, Mr. Samonyane Ntsekele expressed his gratitude, noting that the finance will help implement the project which is aimed at improving the living standards, address water security challenges and improve reliable water supply for domestic, institutional and industrial use in Maputsoe and Hlotse.
He said the surrounding communities particularly those along the bulk water transmission pipeline such as Ha-Setene, Sebothoane, Ha-Lesiamo, Khanyane, Tsikoane, St. Monica’s and Mpharane will also benefit from this project.
He added that the project will construct a raw water intake on Hlotse river, construct a water treatment plant with the capacity of 25 mega litres per day, construct a water pipeline to transfer raw water to the treatment plant, construct a water transmission pipeline for treated water to both Hlotse and Maputsoe, construct a pumping station and a pipeline for pumping water into the water reservoirs in both places.
Mr. Ntsekele said the project will also design and construct the reticulation network across Maputsoe and Hlotse to provide adequate water for domestic and industrial use while also ensuring that the textile industries are adequately supplied with clean and reliable water in these towns.
Speaking at the same event, the World Bank Country Representative, Ms. Janet Entwistle expressed hope that the project will support the enhancement of Water and Sewage Company (WASCO)’s performance by incentivising the delivery of measurable operational improvements facilitated by change management support.
She said activities under this component are expected to result in positive outcomes of job creation, improved beneficiary incomes, better nutritional outcomes and increased economic opportunities for women and youth.
On the other hand, European Union (EU) Ambassador, Mr. Christian Manahl expressed hope that through implementation of the project, bulk water supply will be improved as well as sanitation hence improve the residents’ resilience.
At least 115 000 inhabitants and the industrial sector are expected to benefit from the aforementioned development.
 
Source: LENA 05/06/2019