MASERU – The government of Lesotho officially launched the Lesotho Public Sector Foundations for Service Delivery Project (LPSFSDP) on Thursday, an initiative aimed at overhauling the country’s public service sector through enhanced digital infrastructure and improved financial management. Funded by the World Bank, the project is expected to address key challenges in public service delivery and transform how services are offered to citizens.
The LPSFSDP brings together four ministries: the Ministry of Finance and Government Planning, the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MICSTI), the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs, and Police, and the Ministry of Public Service. This collaborative effort aims to improve payroll management, reduce expenditure arrears, and introduce secure digital services with integrated ID verification.
A Step Toward Modernization
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Public Services, Mputi Jonathan Mputi, emphasized the importance of the project in addressing the country’s economic difficulties. “Our citizens deserve better,” Mputi said. “This project is a clear sign of our commitment to improving public service delivery and ensuring more effective financial management.”
The project is designed to create a more efficient, transparent, and service-oriented public sector. With the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Lesotho’s Data Protection Act governing the handling of personal information, the initiative promises to significantly modernize the public sector’s operations.
Financial Support to Tackle Key Issues
For years, financial constraints have hampered the government’s ability to address inefficiencies in public services. The World Bank’s funding arrives at a critical time. Mputi highlighted how the lack of resources has made it increasingly difficult to implement necessary reforms in public financial management and service delivery.
“This support allows us to introduce digital solutions that will significantly enhance our capabilities,” Mputi explained.
Focus on Digital Transformation
MICSTI will oversee the project’s digital reforms. One of the major initiatives is the introduction of a national digital identity system, which will enable secure digital services and improve the protection of personal information. The use of biometric technology for identity verification is expected to reduce fraud and improve access to government services.
In her remarks, Nthati Moorosi, minister at MICSTI, expressed optimism about the digital transformation. “Our journey to a digitally empowered public service has begun. We are committed to breaking down silos between departments to ensure that government services are more interconnected and transparent,” she said.
The integration of digital technology across different ministries will not only streamline public service delivery but also make government services more accessible to the people. By reducing red tape and wait times, the government hopes to bring greater convenience to citizens seeking services.
Public Financial Management at the Core
At the heart of the LPSFSDP is the modernization of public financial management. For years, the high wage bill in the public sector and weak expenditure controls have strained the country’s economy. Mputi noted that these issues have contributed to significant inefficiencies, which the project aims to correct.
The introduction of new processes, such as digital payments and automated payroll systems, will reduce human involvement and minimize the risk of corruption. The reforms will also make it easier to track expenditures, ensuring that public resources are better managed and directed where they are needed most.
Impact on Public Servants and Citizens
More than 57,000 public servants are expected to benefit directly from the project. Upgraded IT systems and more efficient business processes will improve working conditions and enhance productivity. Training and development programs will be introduced to equip civil servants with the skills needed to operate in the new digital environment.
“These reforms depend on our ability to build the capacity of our public officers,” Moorosi said. “The project will provide the resources and training needed to ensure they can implement these changes effectively.”
Ultimately, these changes will also benefit citizens. With more streamlined processes and digital services, public services will be delivered faster and more efficiently. Citizens will experience shorter wait times and fewer administrative hurdles when accessing services.
A Commitment to Long-Term Change
Both Mputi and Moorosi emphasized the need for continued collaboration among all stakeholders. The success of the project, they said, will rely on sustained commitment and a shared vision for the future of Lesotho’s public service.
