Construction of irrigation dam at Nts'etsanyane in Mokhotlong will see a vast sustainable production of local fruits and vegetables in the district, says the Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.

Mr. Ramootsi Lehata was speaking during the sod-turning ceremony on Tuesday in preparation for the kick off of a M17 million agricultural investment in Mokhotlong.

Mr. Lehata said construction of the dam is the beginning of new commitments and focus by residents and farmers in the area.

The Assistant Minister said it is expected that about 20 hectares of land will be irrigated under the project, adding that 26 farmers and 90 households will benefit from the project, noting that the dam is also expected to benefit the community at large.

Mr. Lehata appealed to the community to protect water sources to ensure that the dam has water all the time.

Meanwhile, the Principal Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Mohale Sekoto, described water as ‘Lesotho’s gold’, adding that its diversion to the fields is necessary to enhance production of quality food so to alleviate hunger in the country.

Mr. Sekoto appealed to resident to take the dam project serious and use it to generate wealth for the entire community and be expanded to other areas.

Source: LENA 18/03/2008