A six-member delegation of the People's Republic of China toured the Lesotho Highlands Water projects at Katse and Mohale dams respectively. The delegation, which is led by the Chinese deputy Minister of Culture Mr. Chang Keren was accompanied by his Lesotho counterpart Ms Lebohang Nts'inyi on Saturday 02 Novenber,2002.

Speaking at the end of tour, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Environment Ms Nts'inyi said her ministry is aware of Lesotho's tourism shortcomings, which have not yet been exploited to the fullest. "We are aware that we have not taken full advantage of the Highlands Water project to established tourists facilities like pony trekking, picnic and camping sites for people who visit the project," she expressed. She however promised to address such issues as part of the ministry's plans to promote and attract tourists in the country.

The minister was responding to the statement, which was delivered by the Lesotho Highlands Water Authority (LHWA) Public Relations Officer Mrs.', Mabasia Ntoi who said the government has not yet taken full advantage of many tourists who frequent the place. She said there is no enough tourism facilities like guests' houses to
accommodate tourists, no picnic or camping sites as well as pony trekking which they (tourists) usually demand when they arrive at the project.

Mrs. Ntoi however pointed out that the project has improved the quality of lives of the people who are living at the area. She made an example of the rate of literacy, which she said was low before the project was implemented but has since improved. "There were no schools around here, no clinics and no roads or any infrastructure of whatsoever, but after the implementation of the project, there are health centers, schools and quality roads which connect people living in the highlands with those living in the lowlands," she emphasized.

Speaking at the same occasion the Acting Manager of LHWP Mr. Trower Namane said the project has brought along with it social problems like HIV/AIDS pandemic.
He said the project is also faced with a task of ensuring that investors who come to make businesses take into consideration pollution measures as the LHWP water is free from any impurities. Mr. Namane also said other things to be considered include conservation of environment and vegetation, saying they have since started a botanic garden where indigenous plants like aloe polyphylla, kniphofia and Erica flowers
are planted.

Besides touring Katse and Mohale dams, the delegation will also visit other tourism attraction places such as Thaba bosiu, Morija and Malea-lea. Among other activities, the delegation will also tour the National Convention centre, attend cultural performances before leaving for China on Monday. Present at this event among others included the Chinese ambassador to Lesotho, officials of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Environment.

02 November,2002