Africa-Press – Lesotho. During the celebration of the presidential awarding ceremony held in Maseru on Friday, dignitaries conveyed congratulatory messaged to His Majesty King Letsie III.
In his remarks, Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini extended heartfelt congratulation on prestigious award saying it signifies visionary leadership in water security.
He highlighted that most Sub-Saharan countries lack access to clean drinking water and Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) stands as beacon of hope to ensure sustainable water supply to other countries.
He said Eswatini has reaffirmed commitment to work with other countries to ensure shared water security. He mentioned that sustainable water security are key in ensuring prosperous nations.
“This award serves as inspiration not only for Eswatini but all Southern African Development Community (SADC). This shows Lesotho’s tremendous work in balancing national and regional needs. Today we reflect on progress that water serves as instrument of peace and unity,” he said.
Prime Minister Dlamini congratulated King on the 39 years of water treaty between Lesotho and South Africa. He added that Eswatini looks forward to continue partnership in water which safeguard the livelihoods of their nations.
Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini congratulates his Majesty King Letsie III on receipt of prestigious award
He further congratulated the Head of State on the award saying future belongs to Africa, and Africa is the future. At the same occasion, European Union (EU) Ambassador Ms. Mette Sunnegren said they recognize King’s contribution to peace, resilient and sustainability.
She said 40 years ago EU contributed to the development of project paper for the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority which has over the years created employment and contributed to economic growth.
She assured that the EU is ready to accompany Lesotho to become water tower for Africa. She added that the EU supports regional integration and sustainable development.
She indicated that this award is a testament of His Majesty’s contribution and country to water security. She said this reaffirms importance of water, ecosytem and fostering transboundary.
“Water is precious, it is providing revenue in terms of tourism. As economic enabler water must be protected”. She congratulated the King expressing hope that it may encourage Lesotho’s efforts of peace and prosperous region.
On the other hand, World Bank Representative Ms. Palesa Mokorosi said the day reminded them of water security and regional integration. She said shared water resources can yield sustainable results saying through transboundary, countries have collaborated and maximized risks of conflict.
She said the success and sustainability of water security require comprehensive approach including resource mobilizations, government and development partners’ support.
She said as countries sharing water resources, they need to look forward to improving social sectors and interrogate how it can create jobs and increase trade. She emphasised that World Bank looks forward to working with client countries.
Moreover, Global Water Partnership Mr. Alex Simalabwi said it is an honour to join in celebrating the leader whose visionary and steadfast leadership as advanced peace and sustainable partnership through water.
He congratulated His Majesty and Lesotho saying the award conferred under Global Water Partnership recognizes extra leadership in water issues, the Head of State who has championed water transfer for unity.
He said since establishment in 1996 the Global Water Partnership has been recognizing leaders in water, change makers translating global commitments into action.
He said they are looking forward to strengthening collaboration with the Kingdom of Lesotho, saying together they can make it water hub of Africa. He congratulated His Majesty saying his leadership continue to remind them that rivers flow where water is shared.
Furthermore, South African High Commissioner Ms. Constance Seoposengwe said this award born of global partnership, has demonstrated high level leadership where Heads of States’ commitment to water investment, commitment in good governance. She congratulated the King saying the award will go a long way in attracting investment.
The Global Water Partnership (GWP) was established by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the World Bank in 1996 in response to international concern about deteriorating freshwater resources.
For More News And Analysis About Lesotho Follow Africa-Press
