By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – The Ministry of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the European Union (EU) Delegation, convenes a significant meeting to review and reinforce the implementation of the Water and Sanitation Strategy of 2016 under the theme ‘Striving For A Well-Coordinated, Improved And Sustainable Management Of The Water Sector’.
The gathering, held in Maseru, brings together key stakeholders, including government representatives, international partners, and NGOs, to discuss progress thus far, alongside challenges that lie ahead in achieving the nation’s water demand targets.
The Water and Sanitation Strategy, introduced in 2016, is a comprehensive framework designed to ensure sustainable water supply and sanitation services across Lesotho. The strategy aligns with the country’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. It outlines key objectives, including increasing access to clean water, improving sanitation facilities, and promoting water conservation practices.
During the meeting, participants emphasize that the success of the Water and Sanitation Strategy hinges on the coordinated efforts of all involved parties.
Hon. Mohlomi Moleko, Minister of Natural Resources, highlights the need for strong partnerships between various institutions and stakeholders to achieve the goals set out in the strategy.
“Water is one of the most important natural resources of Lesotho, encompassing almost all aspects of life—the economy and the natural environment,” states Hon. Moleko. He notes that Lesotho’s unique geographic location, high altitude, and pristine natural quality of the mountain areas position it as the ‘Water Tower’ of Southern Africa.
However, this tower is currently under threat due to dwindling water resources resulting from factors such as changing climatic conditions, population growth, and increasing water demands.
Being regarded as the water tower of the region carries significant responsibility, requiring careful management as other riparian states downstream rely on the same water that Lesotho also needs. “We have the obligation to meet our national water demand, and that, ladies and gentlemen, is our first priority,” Hon. Moleko assures the audience.
He emphasizes the importance of the EU’s support in addressing transboundary water issues, particularly in negotiating water-sharing agreements with neighbouring countries, and commits to using the negotiation strategy that prioritizes Lesotho’s interests.
The Acting Commissioner of Water, Mr. Lebohang Maseru, presents an overview of the progress made since the strategy’s inception. Key achievements include the expansion of water supply infrastructure in rural areas, the implementation of community-based water management programs, and the promotion of hygiene practices. However, he acknowledges that much work remains, particularly in addressing disparities in access to clean water and sanitation services between urban and rural areas.
Mr. Maseru made emphasis on the proactive steps taken to implement the strategy, citing RENOKA as a prime example. “Everyone in Lesotho is familiar with RENOKA,” he stated, “which has been instrumental in ensuring a clean and reliable water supply to various regions across the country.” This initiative stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to addressing the nation’s water needs.
In addition to highlighting the successes of current projects, Mr. Maseru underscores the critical need for a robust institutional framework to guide the sustainable management and development of water resources. He stresses that the development of comprehensive water and sanitation strategies is essential, but equally important is their effective implementation and continuous evaluation.
“Developing these strategies and plans is only the first step,” he explains. “We must ensure that they are not only implemented but also periodically reviewed to adapt to changing circumstances and needs.”
Mr. Maseru concludes by reaffirming the government’s dedication to achieving universal water access and sanitation for all Basotho. He notes that this requires a coordinated effort across various sectors, emphasizing that their collective work is aimed at ensuring that every citizen in Lesotho has access to these essential services.
The meeting also underscores the importance of public awareness and community involvement in successfully implementing the strategy. While infrastructure development is crucial, the sustainability of these initiatives depends on the active participation of local communities. The Ministry, together with its partners, plans to intensify efforts to educate the public on the importance of water conservation and proper sanitation practices.
Over the years, EU have been playing a pivotal role in funding various water projects in the country, including the construction of dams, the expansion of water supply networks, and the provision of sanitation facilities in schools and health centres.
The meeting concludes with a call to action for all stakeholders to intensify their efforts in implementing the Water and Sanitation Strategy. The Ministry of Natural Resources emphasizes that achieving the strategy’s objectives is crucial for the nation’s development and the well-being of its people. With the continued support of international partners like the EU and the active involvement of local communities, Lesotho is poised to make significant strides in ensuring sustainable water and sanitation services for all.