Lesotho and the World Bank have signed a M93 million loan agreement for financing of the Water Sector Improvement Project. The project is to be implemented by the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA).

The agreement, signed by the Ministries of Finance and Natural Resources and WASA on behalf of government,  aims at securing adequate, sustainable, clean water supply and the safe disposal of waste material.

Speaking at the signing, Minister of Finance Dr. Timothy Thahane said the priority now is ensuring that water and associated services reach the disadvantaged communities in the peri-urban areas of Maseru.

World Bank Country Director to Lesotho, Mrs Ritva Reinikka disclosed that the loan will be divided into three components, with the first being policy implementation and capacity building in the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Phase two will focus on the augmentation and extension of Maseru Water Supply through construction of  a new 10 megalitre treatment plant at Maqalika, and the third,  a pilot project testing different service options on water delivery to six disadvantaged peri-urban communities.

The ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Natural Resources Dr 'Mamphono Khaketla.                                                                                                 

08 December 2004