The World Bank has raised concern over the implementation of the projects in the country and would like to find ways to help Lesotho implement its program.

In an interview with the Minister of Trade, Industries, Business Development, and Tourism, Mr. Mokhethi Shelile said the World Bank is worried about Lesotho‘s implementation programs.

He said it was in a meeting in a meeting between Prime Minister Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane and the World Bank Group Vice-President, Ms.Victoral Kwakwa, where this matter was discussed.

He said Ms. Kwakwa raised concerns over slow implementation and in most cases behind schedule.

Mr. Shelile added that in the same meeting, it was suggested that, there is a need to build capacity and consolidate the implementing units to fast-track the execution of the projects.

He said that the Prime Minister and his delegation stressed the commitment of the Lesotho Government to work with both the World Bank and IMF institutions as key bilateral and multilateral partners to get Lesotho on a sustainable broad-based and inclusive growth path.

The World Bank pledged about M841 million for new projects in Lesotho for the year 2023 and another M3.1 million for Contingency Emergency Fund (Response) available for climate related crises.

There will be a visit to Lesotho by the World Bank expert in January, this year to look into the issues of project management, public financial management, government accountability, contracts management, and procurement management.

Source: LENA 15/01/2023