Africa-Press – Lesotho. -European Union (EU) Commission to Lesotho once more pumped up M106 million for the less privileged country folks.
Lesotho is a least developed nation frequently aided on social grants by her international sister countries and development partners. Feminine caused by drought and joblessness are common cause.
Minister of Finance, Dr Moeketsi Majoro and European Union Head of Cooperation, Mr Markus Theobald signed an addendum yesterday, maximizing it to M270 million.
The first was signed in September 2017. Hon ‘Matebatso Doti, Minister of Social Development, whose ministry will administer the money witnessed the signing with media members and other officials.
Mr Theobald said by supporting social protection, EU is protecting the under privileged communities from exploitation and abuse. He said the disabled, the elderly and the likes would not be mistreated.
He said: “This is called solidarity. ” However, he cautioned the lazy should not take advantage of the generosity of others. He stressed the grant should benefit struggling Basotho entirely depending on government for survival means.
Dr Majoro said there are over 300 000 vulnerable households Social Development Ministry should stretch to in as far as social grants assistance is concerned.
He therefore applauded EU for the good gesture. Explained Majoro: “Our intention (as government) is actually to hijack her work. ” He was referring to Minister Doti’s work on assisting the less privileged.
He said people poor to live on handouts scenario should be tackled successfully by government. He commended EU for supporting not only on social needs but extending its assistance to economic emancipation initiatives.
Majoro said EU has aided Lesotho on water and energy projects amongst others. Doti acknowledged the EU helping hand and explained it will train auxiliary social workers on decentralizing social assistance. Her ministry is implementing a National Information System for Social Assistance (NISSA) so to database the needy.
