Africa-Press – Lesotho. Minister of Social Development Hon. ‘Matebatso Doti says there is commendable progress on Lesotho social assistance project as 6 of the 21 indicators have been achieved since the project started back in 2017. The US$40 million social assistance project between the government of Lesotho and World Bank was approved in June 2016.
This was done with the objective to support the government of Lesotho in improving the efficiency, equity and shock-responsive function of selected social assistance programs and, in the event of eligible crisis of emergency, to provide immediate and effective response to the said eligible crisis or emergency.
According to Doti, the selected programs are Child Grant Program (CGP), Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), Post Primary Bursary (PPB), Public assistance (PA) and old age pension (OAP).
Savings from efficient management of these programs can be used to increase coverage for social assistance programs. She said the project also focuses on coordination and harmonization mechanisms.
“There are 21 indicators and six have been achieved. this shows progress on our part,” she said
This is largely because most of the proposed indicators require key reforms on harmonization and integration of programs especially the public assistance program,” she continued.
Doti stated that much work is being done with the process in progress. World Bank representative, Ms Janet Entwistle complimented all stakeholders in the project, towards continued efforts that have led to the project progressing well thus far.
She labelled the partnership a great one for World Bank citing that they are excited to support Lesotho in the ambitious agenda of improving access to social protection for Basotho.
She said World Bank is also optimistic that all the programmes will successfully be attained by 2020 when the project ends. “Together we can make Lesotho a model of social protection on the continent,” she said.
