Africa-Press – Lesotho. As part of maintaining the long term relationship that has been existing between China and Lesotho for many years, China will send an 11-member technical team that will help maintain the two national monuments, the ‘Manthabiseng National Convention Centre (MNCC) and the Parliament Building.
The two buildings were built with the assistance of China and the transfer of technical skills will be afforded to a number of selected Basotho trainees. This year ‘Manthabiseng National Convention Centre is 20 years old while the Parliament Building turns five.
Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho HE Sun Xianghua with minister of Planning, Tlohelang Aumane last week signed and exchanged Letters of Technical Cooperation for the two buildings.
Ambassador Xianghua said since the buildings were completed and handed over to this government and people of Lesotho as precious gifts from the Chinese government, they have become part of the landmark architecture of Maseru and Lesotho, and have also become the symbols of China-Lesotho friendship, thereby decorating an awe-striking horizon of the capital of Lesotho.
He went on to state that in the coming three years until 2020, an 11 member technical team from China will work in Lesotho. “They will transfer the operating and maintenance skills to Basotho trainees, meanwhile they will help to maintain the two buildings’ major equipment and also upgrade some of the facilities, including the stage-lighting systems and catering facilities in the Convention Centre.
“With their work and expertise, the two buildings will be kept in optimal conditions and continue to play an even more important role in Lesotho’s political, cultural, and economics life.
It is my sincere wish that three years later, our Basotho brothers will take over these buildings and continue to take good care of these embodiment of China-Lesotho friendship,” the Ambassador said.
Xianghua also pointed out that the year 2017 is a crucial year in implementing the outcomes of the 2015 Johannesburg Summit of the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and that they intent to race against time to carry out major cooperation projects under FOCAC in order to bring tangible benefits to Lesotho.
He said this year also marks the beginning of a new chapter of Lesotho’s history, with a new government led by his right hon. Thomas Motsoahae Thabane coming into office
After the signing and exchanging of letters, who was representing Lesotho government on the day Aumane expressed his gratitude on behalf of the nation.
“I feel very honored and privileged as the Minister of Planning to sign the exchange letter of China Aid on behalf of His Majesty’s Government during this 10th Parliament of the Kingdom of Lesotho.
” he said.
He went on to say that his agreement does not only show the friendship that the Kingdom of Lesotho has with People’s Republic of China but continues to cement strong economic and developmental ties Lesotho share with the People’s Republic of China.
“This is one in a series of projects that Lesotho is benefitting from the PRC’s assistance and projects still in the pipeline.
The Construction of the New Parliament, the Construction of National Convention Center; Construction of State Library, Mushroom Production, the China-Lesotho Friendship School at Sehlabeng sa Thuathe, food assistance and training of Basotho in different fields in China, are but a few of projects Lesotho and the PRC have,” said Aumane
Aumane also stated that the project is 36 months starting from July 2017 to July 2020 at a total cost of 18 million RMB. “During this time we will recommend that the Ministry of Tourism and the National Assembly, engage Basotho private companies who will also receive the skills from a Chinese company (Anhui) and will make it easier to maintain the State House and other buildings handed over to us by the government of China,” he concluded.
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