CABINET APPROVALS  -  JANUARY 15, 2002

The Cabinet meeting  -  Tuesday, 15 January 2002 under “Memoranda”:

1.      DISPOSAL OF IMMOVABLE PROPERTIES BELONGING TO THE OLD LESOTHO BANK UNDER LIQUIDATION

Memorandum C3(2002/5)3 by the Minister of Finance and of Development Planning.

Cabinet approved:

(a)       the acquisition of the following specific properties belonging to the Old Lesotho Bank by Government:

i)          Mafike House to be used as an office block;

ii)         Duplex Flats to be used for accommodation of medical personnel;

iii)        Molimo Nthuse Lodge, Victoria Hotel and Caravan Park be utilised for promoting tourism and be operated by a property Management Consultant;

iv)        It is unlikely that Kingsway Cinema will attract a private investor.  It may also be managed by a property management consultant;

v)         Industrial Shop, Quthing and Mokhotlong Commercial sites be utilised for industrial and commercial purposes;

vi)        Happy Villa Residence was auctioned prior to liquidation and remains on the list only because the buyer has not yet paid cash for the property, and is making the necessary arrangements with the Bank and his Legal representatives;

vii)       The rest of the properties be disposed of in accordance with liquidation procedures.

(b)       The acquired properties be utilised in the manner so desired by Government and for public interest in respect of the properties originally meant for investment, promotion of tourism, or for any other economic activity.

2.         RE-OPENING OF THE HIGH COMMISION OF THE KINGDOM OF LESOTHO IN OTTAWA, CANADA

Memorandum C3(2002/5)4 by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Cabinet approved:

(a)         the re-opening of the High Commission of the Kingdom of Lesotho in Ottawa, Canada following its closure in 1996;

(b)        that, the re-opening of the High Commission be executed when funds permit.

3.         THE OPENING OF THE EMBASSY OF THE KINGDOM OF LESOTHO IN PARIS, THE REPUBLIC OF FRANCE

Memorandum C3(2002/5)5 by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

            Cabinet approved:

(a)       the opening of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho in Paris, the Republic of France;

(b)       that, the opening of the Embassy be executed when funds permit.       

4.      POLICY CHANGE TOWARDS ADDRESSING THE POOR STATE OF URBAN ROADS          

Memorandum C3(2002/5)6 by the Minister of Public Works and Transport.

Cabinet approved:

that, a concerted intervention by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport in the development, rehabilitation and maintenance of urban roads be undertaken in terms of Section 4 of the Road Act 1969.