Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Board of Directors have reselected Lesotho to continue developing a millennium challenge compact. This is according to the letter that was written by the body to the Prime Minister of Lesotho Dr Motsoahae Thomas Thabane dated 31st December 2018.
The reselection is described in the letter as a testament to the strong partnership that MCC and Lesotho have built and to the sustainable progress Lesotho has made in strengthening democratic institutions, maintaining sound economic policies, and investing in its people.
This decision is also said to also reflect on the board’s acknowledgements of the government of Lesotho’s initial steps to implement the recommendations of the Southern African Development Community’s commission of inquiry and to demonstrate its commitment to rule of law and accountability.
“The board will continue to monitor these actions carefully over the coming year,” vowed MCC in the letter.
It went on to cite that due to increased competition for MCC funding, MCC places great importance on ownership, sound economic rationale, and a demonstrated commitment to timely and quality compact development.
“We look forward to the government’s continued engagement in compact development during the critical stages of project design and its commitment to an environment conductive to the long-term sustainability of the compact.
MCC also continues to expect the government of Lesotho to provide evidence of sustainability of the first compact’s results. In this respect, MCC expects the government of Lesotho to continue its support for maintenance of health clinics, water infrastructure, and other investments made in the first compact,” reiterated the letter.
Meanwhile, it was emphasized that eligibility does not guarantee access to MCC funding, but is an important step in MCC’s compact development process.
“Successful development of compact, coupled with continued strong policy performance on MCC’s scoreboard, which includes demonstrating commitment to the rule of law and accountability, is essential for board approval of a compact,” concluded the statement going on to compliment the government of Lesotho for the feat.
