Africa-Press – Lesotho. In order to overcome its dependence on energy imports, live up to its vision to provide universal access to energy and to manage its resources in a sustainable manner, Lesotho needs a re-think
of its energy policy. This is according to Minister Counsellor- EU Delegation to the kingdom of Lesotho Markus Theobald speaking at a Sustainable Energy Information &
Demonstration Event (exhibition) at the ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre. The event was held by the Ministry of Energy and Meteorology (MEM), in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and European
Union Delegation (EUD). Theobald stated that Lesotho is endowed with an abundance of natural and energy resources that are suitable for generation of clean and renewable energy, be it
hydro–, solar – or wind-energy, yet at present Lesotho depends on non-renewable energy, which to a large extent has to be purchased abroad. In addition, he said energy generation using non-renewable energy sources, such as
fossil fuels or biomass, produces greenhouse gases and contributed to climate change. For Lesotho to overcome this he insisted that European Union (EU) stands ready to
support Lesotho in its efforts to review and formulate its relevant policies. “We have already supported the ministry of energy and meteorology in the
development of a climate change policy and an electrification master plan and continue providing expertise for policy formulation” he alluded. Meanwhile
Christy Ahenkora, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Lesotho, stated that access to energy is at the heart of development. She said it is imperative that
accessibility to modern energy sources and technologies should be one of the major objective of all government policies and global efforts towards poverty
alleviation, improving, improving health services and access to quality education among others. Sustainable energy information and demonstration event she said was going to showcase
available clean energy devices and technologies in the market for rural communities, through energy centers. Together she said energy centers with mini-grids will improve energy access and enhance economic growth and contribute to improvement of living conditions for Basotho.
