Matekane pledges judiciousness
Staff Writer
MASERU; Lesotho – Prime Minister Sam Matekane on Thursday declared the Entry Into Force of the US$300 million Health and Horticulture Compact of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) at Thaba Bosiu, Maseru.
The EIF marks a major victory for Sam Matekane, a political novice whose administration could go down as one of the most stable in the last decade albeit incessant fissures within his Revolution For Prosperity party and in opposition.
MCC deputy CEO Chidi Blyden and Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Keisha Toms were joined by Matekane, his deputy, Nthomeng Majara; finance minister, Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane and others for the colourful ceremony.
According to the US Embassy’s X, the “Lesotho Health and Horticulture Compact” will enhance access to quality healthcare, foster equitable business development opportunities, and promote high-value crop production for all Basotho, with a special focus on empowering women and youth.
The EIF follows a protracted battle for the government to effect some key reforms that were prerequisites for the compact to come into effect.
Matekane says EIF is a milestone
Addressing delegates at the ceremony yesterday, Matekane described it as “an milestone
in our development cooperation with the US Government”.
He expressed his government’s our gratitude “for the generosity shown by the US Government”.
“We are humbled by the patience and support we received to be where we are today. Excellencies, ‘Me Keisha and ‘Me Chidi, please relay our thanks and best wishes to President Biden, the US Government, and the American people. It is a gesture of goodwill and hope for our nation. As well as a testament to the long diplomatic friendship enjoyed by the two nations,” Matekane said.
The compact strengthened the foundation for better health for Basotho, and sustainable private led economic growth and job creation, he said.
“It allows us to tap our natural and economic advantages and translate them into prosperity for Basotho.
Matekane says the compact investment is a major boost for Lesotho’s investment programme
“The US$300 million Health and Horticulture investment is a major boost to our investment programme. It brings confidence to the investors,” Matekane said.
It was expected that the compact would provide an environment for “more equitable distribution of wealth, access to services and opportunities and social transformation that embraces equality among people and striving to uplift the marginalised groups”.
There were various opportunities for everyone and most importantly for women, youth, people with disability and other marginalised groups.
“The job creation potential of the Horticulture project alone is estimated at 4 000 jobs, not to mention the indirect and induced jobs that will be created through packaging supplies, logistics and cold chain activities.”
“The entry into force of the Compact also comes at a defining moment for Basotho, when we celebrate and commemorate 200 years of the founding of the Basotho nation.
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“Businesses should position themselves to build smart partnerships locally and internationally in implementing Compact II,” Matekane said.
He added that he now expected MCA Lesotho to ensure that the compact was implemented fully in the next five years.
Matekane urges haste in compact implementation
“We cannot afford any delays. The economy of this country needs this capital injection to boost productivity and job creation.
“Ms. Chidi Blyden, on behalf of Basotho we commit to ensuring that every American dollar invested in this compact will be used efficiently to maximise the impact of this investment in the country,” Matekane said.
