THE LESOTHO FUND FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (LFCD) TO CARRY OUT MORE THAN 60 PROJECTS - THAHANE
	The Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Mr. Tim Thahane says the Lesotho Fund for Community Development (LFCD) has approved 63 projects, 54 of which will be carried out during this financial year. Mr. Thahane said nine projects out of the 63 approved by the LFCD will only be carried out in the next financial year after their budget has been approved by Parliament. The Minister said 39 of the approved projects are construction of roads under the department of Rural Roads and the Maseru City Council and will be financed with over M122 million, while 24 projects fall under conservation and will take M14, 733, 328.00 and added that there are three water projects under the Rural Water Supply and the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), which will cost over M3 million. He said there is M100 million within the LFCD budget to carry out the 54 projects and added that if the LFCD could be allocated M38, 151, 977.00 during the next financial year, it would be possible to carry out the other nine projects. Mr. Thahane was briefing the national assembly on the approved projects to be carried out through the LFCD. He also mentioned that there are two ways in which projects could be submitted before the LFCD board for appraisal and approval. The Minister said the communities themselves can submit their proposals, while on the other hand members of Parliament could do so on behalf of the people they represent. He said after being approved by the Board, the projects are then tabled before the Ministry of Finance for funding. Mr Thahane asked the house to rethink strategies to make good use of the LFCD funds so that they benefit the country in a more sustainable way, saying one way could be to embark on a long-term projects such as major roads to connect the lowlands and the highlands of the country. 02 September,2002
	SOURCE: LENA