An additional $15.435 million financing for Phase II of Lesotho’s Water Sector Improvement Project has been approved by the World Bank. This project will further support the long-term sustainability of the Metolong Dam and Water Supply Program, advance preparation of the hydropower component under Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP2).
The funding will further assist the government of Lesotho in preparing a comprehensive investment program for the expansion of water service in the Lowlands of Lesotho where some 30 000 people, of whom 18 000 are women, will benefit from the delivery of water services by 2016. According to Asad Alam, World Bank Country Director for Lesotho, more than 40% of Lesotho’s population does not have adequate access to water and sanitation. Approximately 75% of the population live in rural areas where water service is scarce.“Water is one of Lesotho’s most important renewable assets and is central to the country’s long-term growth prospects,” said Marcus Wishart, World Bank Task Team Leader for this Project. “Today’s project will combine efforts to further develop renewable energy through preparation of hydropower component under LHWP2 and to increase water supply services through further development of the Lowlands Water Supply Scheme throughout the country, both of which are central to the Lesotho government’s efforts to eradicate extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity.”