LESOTHO AND SOUTH AFRICA SIGN AN AGREEMENT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF LESOTHO HIGHLANDS WATER PROJECT (LHWP) PHASE II
The Minister of Natural Resources says the signing of Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Phase II marks another milestone for Lesotho and South Africa.
Mr. Monyane Moleleki said this at the signing ceremony of an agreement for the implementation of LHWP phase II in Maseru on Thursday.
He signed on behalf of the Government of Lesotho, while Ms. Edna Molewa signed on behalf of South Africa.
Mr. Moleleki said 25 years ago, the two governments signed the LHWP treaty, adding that currently both nations are enjoying the results of phase I.
He said the two countries started negotiations for the second phase on August 2008, noting that the negotiators displayed their loyalty and patience to their countries hence the signing.
He noted that during the signing of phase I, both countries were not led by democratic governments, while for this phase both countries are democratically led.
Mr. Moleleki added that as the result of free negotiations, Polihali Dam is larger than the first two dams, and is expected to benefit both countries immensely.
Also speaking, Minister Molewa said the signing ceremony is the beginning of the long journey, expressing their gratitude to become part of the project.
She said the event occurs 12 months after the South African President visited Lesotho, saying this was to ensure that the project is implemented within a period of a year since the visit.
Ms. Molewa highlighted that it is vital that this agreement is signed during women's month, as both water and women provide life.
She said the cooperation must be a foundation and catalyst to develop economy for Lesotho and South Africa, adding that the main goal is to eradicate poverty.
She said the project is an opportunity for the entrepreneurship and business for the citizens of both countries, as well as an opportunity for hydro power generation system.
Ms. Molewa indicated that today signals the beginning of the development for Basotho and South Africans.
In interview with LENA, Private Sector Foundation of Lesotho and Business Council representative, Ms. 'Mamakamane Makamane said they are prepared to take part to ensure the success of this phase.
She noted that as business people, they will fully participate in this development and are ready to acquire skills that will enable them to take Lesotho to greater heights.
Ms. Makamane highlighted that they believe that the economy of the country will grow as a result of this project, adding that they will be prepared to sustain it beyond the construction of Polihali dam.
Today's event is expected to be followed by the signing of Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Resources between Lesotho's Minister of Natural Resources and South African Minister of Department of Energy.
Source: LENA 11/08/2011
