WORLD BANK VICE PRESIDENT TO VISIT LESOTHO

The World Bank Vice President, Mr. Callisto Madavo will visit Lesotho from October 21 to 23, 2002  following an invitation by the government of Lesotho. This was announced by the Minister of Finance, Mr. Timothy Thahane at a press conference held at his offices on Thursday 17 October,2002. The purpose of the visit is for Mr. Madavo to hold discussions with the leadership in Lesotho, on macro-economic policy issues. 

The Minister indicated that they have arranged the programme for Mr. Madavo's visit in the country such that he will pay courtesy calls to  King Letsie III and to the
Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili. Mr. Madavo will also be taken on a guided tour by the Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Monyane Moleleki to areas of economic interest in the country such as Katse, Mohale, Ts'ehlanyane, Muela, Mahlasela and Pelaneng Range Management where he will interact with farmers and the general community in the areas.

He will also fly over the Southern Eastern part of the country, covering Sehong-hong, Sehlabathebe, Qacha's Nek and Ha Sekake, to observe the level of land degradation and to see the Tran frontier project and biodiversity. It is expected that this visit will assist the World Bank Vice President to better appreciate the Lesotho situation so that he can subsequently influence the World Bank board and other cooperating partners on future assistance to Lesotho.

Currently, the World Bank is supporting eight projects to the tune of US$ 140 million. Such projects include Agricultural Policy Capacity Building Project, Lesotho Fund for Community Development, Education Sector Development project II, Health sector Project, Lesotho Highlands water project, Utilities sector Reform Project, Road Rehabilitation and Maintenance Project, and Maloti-Drakensburg Conservation. Mr. Madavo joined the World Bank in 1969 and he was appointed the Vice President of the bank in 1996. He is responsible for the Africa Region.

17 October,2002