His Majesty King Letsie III led celebrations to mark Lesotho's 41st independence anniversary at Likotsi outside Maseru on Thursday.

This year's Independence Day celebrations, which were also attended by the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers, were marked by land reclamation and conservation activities.

His Majesty and the Prime Minister, engaged in harnessing a donga before leading those who attended the event in tree planting. A total of 10 000 trees were planted.

Others that took part in the exercise are cabinet ministers, the Chief Justice and the Speaker of the National Assembly. Similar activities were also undertaken around the country where the events were led by cabinet ministers.

Lesotho gained her independence on October 04 1966 after close to a century of British colonial rule, which was a result of an agreement entered into by the nation's founder Moshoeshoe I and the British government.

Some residents of the tiny village told LENA they were particularly honored that government saw it fit to hold the celebrations in their village.

They pledged to look after the trees and protect them from vandals and destruction by livestock, as not only are they a long-term symbol but also a big boost in the fight against land degradation which diminishes arable land and threatens food production.

Source: LENA 04/10/2007