Africa-Press – Lesotho. Lesotho through the Minister of Finance Dr Moeketsi Majoro, signed a grant worth US$5.78 million (M 81, 251,714) that leads to the signing of the second compact of the Millennium Challenge Cooperation (MCC).
The United States Ambassador to Lesotho Rebecca Gonzales, indicated the United States helped Lesotho to enhance the health sector in the first phase of the compact wherein Lesotho is faced with high HIV prevalence.
The compact has also helped with developments in the water sector. Basotho have since benefited adequate, sustainable and clean water supply and sanitation services to rural and urban consumers.
Now on to the second compact, the target is mobilization of initiatives that will help reduce high unemployment rate in the country. “There is potential of the delay if we do not continue purposely on the path of reforms.
If we stray from that path, it will be even more difficult to find our way again,” she said. She raised a concern on the alarming reports of police brutality and corruption that seem to have taken and maintained momentum in Lesotho.
“This behavior is unacceptable and non-negotiable.
The consequences of an interrupted compact development will not be as serious as the negative impact to the people of Lesotho caused by failure to address these critical issues,” she added.
Since her stay in the country, Gonzales has had a chance to move around the ten Lesotho districts to assess the initiatives brought by MCC first compact. She revealed that in December, during Anti-Corruption Day, Prime Minister Motsoahae Thabane showed his devotion to lead the fight for accountability.
It is for that reason “the people of America stand ready to join the prime minister and every Mosotho in this fight for a strong Lesotho as no country can prosper where impunity lives and thrives.
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According to her the true prosperity of a country is not only determined by the gross national product but by the good governance, respect for human rights and rule of law among others.
Lesotho is faced with high unemployment rate that needs to be addressed urgently. Majoro emphasized the need for job creation in Lesotho and assured that the second compact will address the problem.
The compact will invest in the four sectors that are identified to have potential to create jobs; Agriculture, Manufacturing, Technology and Tourism. Thus far, over 150 investors willing to invest in the four sectors are confirmed. Negotiations between the government and investors will begin in March.
