LESOTHO IN A SERIOUS STATE OF POVERTY  -  SAYS SADC EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 21 MAY 2002

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Executive Secretary, Prega Ramsamy,  evaluated the famine situation in Lesotho during his one-day visit Tuesday, May 21.

Speaking at a media briefing session in Maseru, Executive Secretary Ramsamy said, the famine situation in Lesotho is in a serious state and called for a consolidated appeal from SADC
to create a special chapter to provide food assistance to Lesotho.

He mentioned that, although there are other countries in the region that are encountering a similar problem with poverty, Lesotho needs to be given prominence with assistance since around 50% of the people in a population of 2 million are affected by a shortage of food due to less production of food in the country.

He noted that, SADC is currently concerned about the economic status as well as the well being of people in its member states; adding that, there is need to engage in sustainable programmes in the fight against poverty, otherwise, the food shortage problem would keep on occurring.

Responding to ensuring that implementation mechanisms would be put in place to solve the problem, Executive Secretary Ramsamy clarified that, the implementation will soon be taken care of as soon as information on the famine situation is put together; saying that, such information will facilitate SADC to appeal to donors for assistance.

He pointed out that, the Disaster Management Regional Committee has since been active by holding a number of meetings to find solutions to problems that are facing its members states; clarifying that, the committee has revealed that there are a number of natural resources that include water and vast areas of arable lands that could boost the economy of the region but are not being well utilised.

He concluded by commending Government of Lesotho for having distributed funds {to the tune of M23 Million (23 Million Maloti)} to address the food shortage crisis in Lesotho.

During his visit, Executive Secretary Ramsamy held meetings with the Minister of Finance, Mohlabi Tsekoa, the Famine Crisis Committee as well as the United Nations agencies.