The government of Lesotho and Parkman Consultant, a European company on Wednesday 11 December,2002 signed a contract to under take a feasibility study of the Lowlands Water supply Scheme. The Minister of Communications, and acting Minister of Natural Resources, Dr Mamphono Khaketla and Head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Lesotho, Mr. Robert Collingwood witnessed the signing by the Principal Secretary to the Ministry of Planning, Mr. Ramotsoari, who signed on behalf of the government of Lesotho and The Parkman Regional Director and Team Leader for the project, Mr. Andy Pepperell on behalf of his company.            

The signing follows the Ministry of Natural Resources' efforts to meet the national water demand, particularly in the lowlands that stretch from Mechachane through Leribe, Berea, Maseru, Mafeteng, Mohale's Hoek and to Quthing. At the occasion, Mr. Ramotsoari said water as a natural resource of the country is one of the scarce resources in the country which has to be treated with great care and be put in good use at all times. Mr. Ramotsoari indicated that his Ministry was glad about the initiative
taken by the Ministry of Natural Resources to ensure that the study is undertaken as it will come up with a long term plan for water supply in the lowlands.

The Principal Secretary congratulated the European Union which is funding the study, for being the best international institution offering funds in the form of grants, for
developmental projects in the country. He expressed hope that the good cooperation existing between the government of Lesotho and the EU, will continue.  After signing for his company, Mr. Pepperell indicated that the company and its local partners are proud to have been awarded the project which they won after a very stringent international competitive tendering and evaluation process.

Mr. Pepperell said their target on the study would be to develop medium and long term plans for a sustainable, affordable, portable water supply which will help facilitate rapid economic growth, provide increased levels of service, social upliftment and improved health for people living in the lowlands areas.

Mr. Collingwood, when adding his signature on the contract, said the EU was proud to finance the "landmark" contract through the European Development Fund. He explained that the contract is a landmark contract because it marked one of the most important development projects to be undertaken during the 27 year relationship between the Kingdom of Lesotho and the EU. The Principal Secretary to the Ministry of Natural Resources, Mr. Bataung Leleka signed for witness to the Ministry of Planning. The study will commence on January 6 and it will be undertaken for a duration of 18 weeks.

11 December,2002