Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning conducted a two-day diagnostic consultation in Qacha’s Nek as part of efforts to assess Lesotho’s economic, social, and institutional landscape in preparation for a new long-term national development framework.
The consultations, which began on Tuesday and ends on Wednesday, will bring together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, civil society, chiefs, youth organisations, and academia.
The aim is to develop a comprehensive country diagnostic report that will guide future policy and planning.
Speaking to the Agency, the Ministry’s Chief Economic Planner, Mr. Ts’oanelo Lebiletsa, said the consultations are crucial for identifying challenges, their root causes, and opportunities for national and district development.
“We are conducting these consultations to inform the development of a country diagnostic report, which will serve as the foundation for Lesotho’s next long-term policy, following the end of Vision 2020,” he said.
Mr. Lebiletsa highlighted that the lack of monitoring and proper costing were among the key shortcomings of the previous vision. “With this new process, we are focusing on developing strong monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and we will ensure the new policy is fully costed and funded locally and internationally.”
He added that after completing consultations in all ten districts, the team expects to finalise the report by the end of June.
“In the next phase, we will begin working on the new vision, informed by the findings of this diagnostic process,” he said.
Participants in Qacha’s Nek raised a wide range of concerns during the discussions. These included unemployment, political instability, outdated laws, poor policy implementation, and lack of accountability at the national level.
Locally, issues such as the misplacement of skilled personnel, poor stakeholder collaboration, high investment costs, low purchasing power, brain drain, and weak health services were highlighted.
Mrs. ’Matiisetso Moletsane, an Economic Planner, expressed hope for tangible change, particularly in areas such as water access, infrastructure, education, and health. “We wish for a vision that will be fully implemented and one that responds directly to the needs of the district and the country,” she said.
She also stressed the need for planners to be actively involved in implementation. “Planners must work hand in hand with implementers for effective monitoring and advice. Too often, the planning sector is sidelined. There is a need for a fully recognised District Planning Unit.”
Area Chieftainess ’Maletsoalo Makhaola of Ha Rats’oleli welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to improve lives in Qacha’s Nek.
She called for stronger support for small businesses to drive economic growth in the district.
Qacha’s Nek is the eighth district to host the consultation. The process will continue next week in Mokhotlong, followed by Mohale’s Hoek.
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