Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane announced the formation of a new Board for the Millennium Challenge Account-Lesotho II (MCA-L II) at the event held in Maseru on Monday.
Dr Matlanyane expressed her commitment to fostering economic growth and development in the country and emphasised the importance of effective financial management and the role of MCA in achieving the nation’s development goals.
She said the MCA-L II vision is aligned with the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP II) and the government is pleased to support the betterment of Basotho.
In inclusion, she noted that the program would not be possible without the United States of America’s support hence they are grateful and this is a partnership that is growing from strength to strength.
The United States Ambassador to Lesotho, Mrs. Maria E. Brewer highlighted the longstanding partnership between the United States and Lesotho in supporting development initiatives.
The Ambassador expressed confidence in the newly appointed leadership of MCA and pledged the United States’ commitment to working with Lesotho in achieving its development objectives.
The Chairperson of the MCA-L II, Ms. Maleshoane Lekomola-Danziger said the responsibilities and vision of the Board is overseeing the operations of MCA-L II.
She stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and efficiency in managing funds allocated for development projects. The MCA-L II Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mrs.
‘Mannana Phalatse promised to play a pivotal role in implementing the strategic goals of MCA-L II and ensuring the effective allocation of resources for various development projects. Mrs.
Phalatse said she is pleased to accept her new appointment as she has been one of the members who built the MCA-L II, saying it involves implementing the $322.5 million Health and Horticulture compact within a five-year timeline, commencing in March 2024.
She noted that she is happy that the program has put the private sector at the center of the program because the private sector is the engine of economic growth for this country, noting that this is an important programme for the country as it will deal with the issue of the high unemployment rate and poverty.
In conclusion, she noted her priority is to ensure that they forge a compact by March 2024 and also to complete the MCA-L II staff recruitment because without competent staff the implementation of MCA-L II will not be possible.
The formation of this new Board for the Compact Account signals a fresh beginning in Lesotho’s pursuit of sustainable development and it underlines the importance of strong leadership, international cooperation, and effective financial management in achieving the country’s development goals.
The collaboration between Lesotho and the United States remains a key component of this effort, with the newly appointed leadership set to lead the way in this journey.
For More News And Analysis About Lesotho Follow Africa-Press
