Maseru-Delegation of the European Union and the Kingdom of Lesotho came together on 22-23 May 2024 at Avani Lesotho Khotla Room for the Lesotho-EU Partnership Dialogue and the official launch of the program Metsi a Lesotho. The partnership dialogue is said to serve as a crucial platform for comprehensive discussions on regional concerns, global priorities, and issues of mutual interests such as trade and investment, sustainable development, human rights, follow-up to the EU Election Observation Mission, constitutional reforms, and cooperation programs.
The dialogue was intended to exchange information, assess progress and to agree on new objectives and initiatives. It was marked as extraordinary as it occurred simultaneously with Basotho’s bicentennial celebration and the golden jubilee celebration of Lesotho-EU relations. Cabinet Ministers represented Lesotho and the EU delegation was comprised of 12 EU countries mainly: Germany, Poland, France, Spain, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Portugal, and Sweden.
Metsi a Lesotho (Water of Lesotho) is an initiative that was developed to ascertain that communities in Lesotho have access to clean water and sanitation services, while preserving water and land resources for present and future generations. It is said that 27 million Euros was ploughed into this project. It is part of the Global Gateway which is Europe’s strategy to boost smart, clean, and secure connections in digital, climate, energy, and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education, and research systems across the world.
Speaking on behalf of the Hon. Lejone Mpotjoana who is the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Hon. Neo Matjato Moteane said that the dialogue represents a valuable reputation for Lesotho and that it is a catalyst that must bring about, action and change. Moreover, he said that during the discussions that will take place in the dialogue, issues regarding the national reforms of Lesotho will emerge and that he encourages that regional integration should be spoken about in depth. He further added that inter-connectivity of countries is essential because it enables the country to be on par with the rest of the globe and that there will be policy coordination which he says has to be bilateral and diplomatic relations ought to be improved.
Hon. Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane shared her delights on behalf of the government of Lesotho. Last year, during the political dialogue, three financial agreements were signed which amounted to 15 million, 8 million and 6 million EUROS respectively. She says she is pleased to learn about the strides being done to improve access to clean sanitation and improved hygiene. She said she looks forward to a Lesotho that sustains water and strengthens the capacity of water management. Finally, she thanked the EU for the support that is directed to the betterment of Basotho and Lesotho.
Ambassador Paola Amadei stated that the partnership between Lesotho and EU dates as far back as September 1985. Some of the contributions of the EU water section cooperation include the construction of the ‘Muela hydro-power plant, the rehabilitation of the wastewater treatment plants in Maseru, construction of water supply networks for Maputsoe, Teyateyaneng and Roma, Metolong Dam and in 2027, the aim is to contribute to the Lowlands Water Development Program-Phase 2 which is expected to provide safe drinking water for 280, 000 people in Hlotse, Maputsoe, Mohale’s Hoek, and Mafeteng.
She said that Lesotho is described as the ‘Water Tower of Southern Africa’, and it is portrayed as a country rich in water. “At the same time, this image of abundance is still in contrast with the lived reality of many people in Lesotho who must walk long distances to access water, who experience malfunctioning water service delivery, or who are faced with polluted water sources. For this reason, the number one priority in the European Union’s cooperation with Lesotho, through this new program we launch today, is to ensure that everyone enjoys the right to safe drinking water and that no one is left behind.”
Metsi a Lesotho’s first pillar is reported to be focused on the construction and rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities in 250 rural communities, 125 schools, and 15 clinics benefiting around 120 000 people. These activities will be implemented from this year in partnership with UNICEF. Metsi a Lesothobrings together government, development partners, and civil society towards the goal of a better Lesotho.
The Prime Minister- Samuel Ntsokoane said that since his tenure, he has seen EU efforts to better lives of Basotho, especially those in remote and rural areas. He added that he was present last year to witness the other financial agreements. Eradicating poverty through sustainable development is of utmost importance. The EU has rendered great support in areas of water, energy, and governance. These agreements provide support through national reforms and EU’s effort to lessen the adverse effects of climate change. In closing he expressed that the dialogue that was held the next day, should embody the spirit of development.
