The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) handed over compensation amounting to more than M500, 000 to three different communities that are affected by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). Speaking at the ceremony the LHDA Representative, Mr. Malefetsane Lepele pleaded to the Boinyatso, Ha Molapo and Setlakalleng communities to use the funds fruitfully for the benefit of all on different projects that they have chosen so that the coming generation could also benefit.

Mr. Lepele, said the communities are fortunate because they are the first ones to receive such compensation although communities affected by LHWP are many, adding that the communities should be an example so that the stakeholders would not look back with embarrassment, but with pride at the project there after. "Many communities cannot form cooperatives because they do not have money, but these ones are lucky because they have been trained and have funds to start whatever project they want, " he added.

Speaking at the same occasion, a Representative from the Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Malefetsane Masasa pleaded to the communities to work in such a manner that the funds would revolve, instead of using it for their own benefit. Mr. Masasa, said they should seek help in any government department any time when they need help so that they could be assisted with technical expertise that would help keep their projects sustainable.

The Botha-Bothe District Secretary, Mr. Seamatha Seamatha congratulated the
communities for having been given the money, as it would help them to engage in poverty reduction projects that the government is in a process of implementing. He said, it would be unfortunate if people from such communities could complain about unemployment when they have been trained to engage in income generating projects and trainings to equip them with skills of running such projects.

The Ha Molapo community has chosen a multi-purpose co-operative while the Boinyatso and Setlakalleng have chosen to buy a grinding machine to make money.
Committee members attended the ceremony from the three communities and Muela committee got their compensation in August this year that amounted to more than M400, 000. The Setlakalleng community received M133, 800.31; Boinyatso received M253, 289.74 while the Ha Molapo community received M129, 177.79.

08 November,2002