Though Lesotho does not have slum dwellings in its urban areas, it has a serious problem of lack of urban planning, the Minister of Local Government Dr. Ponts'o 'Matumelo Sekatle has said.

In a statement in the National Assembly on World Habitat Day on October 6, Dr. Sekatle said lack of proper planning in many urban areas hinders such developmental progress as construction of roads and the provision of essential services like water, electricity and telephones.

Though the Government introduced Lesotho Housing and Land Development Corporation in 1988 to speed up low income housing provision, the Corporation seems to have been sidetracked and has become involved in something that was not it mandate.

The Ministry is consulting with those responsible for provision of houses such as contractors, banks and architects to join hands to meet Basotho half way towards addressing the housing problem, Dr. Sekatle said.

On the other hand, the Minister called on the members to also join hands in keeping a clean environment and preserving sources of water.

Dr. Sekatle also announced plans to build a dumping site at Tšoeneng near Rothe.

World Habitat Day is commemorated every year on October 01 since 1986.

07 October 2005