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The Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Mr Tim Thahane and the
head of the European Union (EU) in Lesotho, Mr Robert Collingwood have
signed an agreement for the EU-Lesotho development cooperation for
2002-2007. The total amount of the financial resources that are allocated
through the EU fund to Lesotho for this period is M870 million.
In his remarks during the signing, Mr Collingwood said the support is
designed to cover three sectors that include provision of roads in the rural
areas, water supply also in the rural areas and support to government and
the people of Lesotho through the government on micro economic and budget
support. He said this is a continuation of a long period of partnership
between Lesotho and the EU.
In response, Mr Thahane said the government is grateful for the support that
the EU has been giving over the years. Mr Thahane said the government is
also appreciative of the focal point that the support is directed to
as most people are living in the rural areas of the country, adding that
support in strengthening of administration is also much appreciated.
He said it was his hope that the funds will be used cost effectively and
carefully so that they benefit the people of Lesotho, adding that
people should get value of this support. "There must be good record
keeping and accountability so that it serves its purpose", he added.
The EU-Lesotho cooperation for the 2002-2007 is based on EU development
priorities such as promotion of democracy, the fight against poverty,
improved commercial competitiveness and aid effectiveness and on the
principles and measures agreed between the EU and the African Caribbean
Pacific countries set out in the Cotonou agreement.
16
September,2002
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