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The 4D Climate Solutions Consulting Company Team Leader, Mrs. ’Makhotso Mohoanyane, on Thursday outlined the proposed Water Supply Structure during a community mobilization meeting held in Hlotse, Leribe.
The community mobilization session was conducted by 4D Climate Solutions Consulting Company under the Lesotho Lowlands Water Development Project (LLWDP) Phases II and III.
Addressing community representatives, Mrs. Mohoanyane said the proposed Water Supply Structure aligns with existing legal frameworks, including the Water and Sanitation Services Bill and the Decentralisation Policy of 2007.
She explained that the structure will comprise the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftainship, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Office of the Commissioner of Water, the Lesotho Electricity and Water Authority (LEWA), and the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO), which will work alongside the Bulk Water Authority.
Mrs. Mohoanyane indicated that the Ministry of Natural Resources will oversee all water-related matters, while the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftainship will coordinate community councils on water issues. She added that LEWA will remain responsible for regulating water tariffs.
Highlighting the role of the Bulk Water Authority, she said it will be responsible for the management of dams, water resources and bulk pipelines.
Speaking on behalf of LLWDP, Mr. Lebohang Makoele said the project aims to increase water supply to ensure a continuous flow of water. He noted that all citizens will be given an opportunity to apply for water connections through WASCO.
Mr. Makoele said construction of raw water intake structures is underway at Ha Setene, where water is drawn from the Hlotse River into a pump station located at the same site for treatment.
He further explained that from Ha Setene, treated water will flow to a command reservoir constructed at Khanyane, which is intended to distribute water to affected areas within Leribe.
Additionally, he said water will be channelled through the Ts’ifalimali water tank to supply Hlotse and surrounding areas, Tsikoane and nearby villages, as well as Maputsoe.
According to the European Union website, the project seeks to ensure that populations in the lowlands regions of Lesotho have access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation in line with the country’s Vision 2020 strategy