The Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili says water is important as people need it for various purposes to survive.

Mr. Mosisili was speaking in Mokhotlong at the Lesotho Evangelical Church (LEC) after the tree planting activity that was undertaken at the church premises on Sunday. He said due to climate change, Lesotho is experiencing severe drought as abundant rains, which were seen are no more.

The Prime Minister urged the Mokhotlong community to harvest water from the roofs for use in various functions during severe drought. He noted the importance of community engagement in construction of water tanks in their areas, urging the congregation to collect stones and sand as the Ministry of Forestry will assist them with technical expertise and other inputs.

He indicated that many species that were found in the country do not exist any more because people have lost their responsibility of caring for living creatures that were given to people by God.

He further urged them to also plant trees at their homes as the trees are intended to improve the lives of people as well as to eradicate poverty.

During the occasion 45 apple trees and pear tree were planted.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Forestry, Mr. Ralechate 'Mokose said his ministry is mandated to plant trees for conservation, fuel, beautifying the country, land rehabilitation and for food.

He said campaigns to plant different types of trees were started by churches and the understanding of the importance of trees in the country rooted from the church leaders.

The minister said pears and apple trees have been identified as being suitable for the environmental conditions of Mokhotlong, and therefore urged people to invest in production of these fruits to make Mokhotlong the biggest producer of pears and apples in the country.

Source: LENA 31/03/2008