The Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili launched the construction of new Parliament building at the occasion held at Mpilo Hill on Monday.

Speaking at the occasion, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation over the project, which he said highlights the important role played by Members of Parliament towards the development of the country.

Mr. Mosisili said Lesotho has in the past decades enjoyed peace and democratic governance as a result of Mixed Member Proportional model (MMP).

He observed that the new system has brought diversity in the Parliament as many political parties are represented in the National Assembly, and therefore, urged Parliamentarians to use the new building effectively thereby serving the nation.

He noted that the new building came a result of his visit to China two years ago, whereby the government of China offered a grant of M64 million to the Lesotho government for the construction of a new Parliament building.

The Prime Minister therefore expressed profound gratitude to the Chinese government for having supported Lesotho in socio-economic issues and for the development of the country.

“China has provided the grant and will also assist with technical expertise. They also supported us in building 'Manthabiseng Convention Centre as well as the National Library, we are indeed grateful to China,” he said.

The Ambassador of China to Lesotho, Mr. Qui Bohua, said the Lesotho Parliament building project aims to further strengthen relations between the two countries that have always existed.

Mr. Bohua said the five story structure that will house Parliament will cover a floor space of 6,800 square metres with construction area totaling to approximately 7,200 square metres.

He noted that construction will start next month and end in July 2009, adding that he was confident that the contractor of the project China Yanjian Construction Group Corporation will do the work effectively.

The new Parliament building will among others accommodate Parliamentarians and their families, provision for Internet Cafes and offices for staff members.

Source: LENA 29/10/2007