The European Union (EU) has launched an initiative in partnership with the Lesotho government seeking to expand access to essential water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities across the country. Known as ‘Metsi A Lesotho’, the project also aims to contribute to the conservation and protection of water and land resources, in a bid to foster a healthier, greener, and more prosperous Lesotho. European Union Ambassador to Lesotho, Paola Amadei, tells theReporter’s Neo Kolane in this exclusive interview how Metsi A Lesotho is addressing the impacts of climate change and water resource management, and benefitting thousands of Basotho across the country.
What are the main objectives of the Metsi A Lesotho initiative?
Metsi A Lesotho is an EU and Lesotho government partnership that seeks to expand access to essential water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, while at the same time contributing to the conservation and protection of water and land resources. The overarching objective is fostering a healthier, greener, and more prosperous Lesotho.
In more concrete terms, Metsi a Lesotho will contribute to the construction and rehabilitation of water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in 250 rural communities, 125 schools, and 15 clinics across the 10 districts of Lesotho. The infrastructure development includes systems for the collection, treatment, storage, and distribution of water, as well as the installation of inclusive ablution facilities to serve everyone, including people with disabilities. It will also expand the land and water conservation measures implemented under ReNOKA to additional areas.Metsi A Lesotho is part of the Global Gateway, Europe’s strategy to boost smart, clean, and secure connections in digital, climate, energy, and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education, and research systems across the world.
The programme will build upon the EU’s previous and ongoing investments in the water sector, such as the Metolong Dam, the ongoing Second Phase of the Lesotho Lowlands Water Development Programme, and the rehabilitation of wastewater treatment plants in Maseru. Through Metsi A Lesotho, we are expanding our support to rural communities, schools, and health centres, where access to safe water sources has not yet been realised.
How does the project address water-related challenges facing Lesotho, such as climate change impacts and water resource management?
I would like to emphasise that sustainable water management is crucial for the well-being of both people and the environment. From our health and food security to energy production and economic opportunities – water is the foundation of everything we do. Access to safe and affordable water and sanitation are not just a right, but also a cornerstone of sustainable development. Preserving the environment and socio-economic prosperity are not mutually exclusive objectives; rather, they are intertwined and interdependent. Unfortunately, water scarcity and unequal access to water are affecting Lesotho as well due to the rising demand and the devastating impacts of climate change. More frequent extreme weather events highlight the critical need to safeguard healthy water resources such as catchments and wetlands. These natural systems act as buffers, helping us mitigate the impacts of these weather events.
It is essential that we adopt a holistic approach to water management, considering the interconnectedness of water, land, and people. Metsi A Lesotho aims to address water scarcity and pollution while guaranteeing the long-term viability of water resources, with a focus on WASH infrastructure development, land and water conservation, policy, capacity-building, and data support. This approach can help Lesotho reverse ongoing land degradation, ensure the continued availability and quality of water, and ultimately promote water security, regional stability, and peace.
Metsi A Lesotho will also make further contributions to Lesotho’s national movement to restore land and water, known as ReNOKA – Lesotho’s flagship initiative to protect and conserve the water and land resources of the Mountain Kingdom and the Orange-Senqu River Basin. This ambitious initiative aims to restore land and water through sustainable management approaches and rehabilitation measures across 50 percent of Lesotho’s catchments. This includes the policy development, capacity-building, and data support mentioned earlier to ensure that water resources are managed sustainably and water is preserved from pollution.
Metsi A Lesotho is also providing strategic planning, developing water policies and regulations, and training water management professionals to perform their roles effectively. Additionally, the programme will produce, update, and share water and soil data to improve services and accountability. This data-driven approach will enable the government and stakeholders to make informed decisions about water management in the country and ensure that water resources are used efficiently and sustainably.
Cooperation among governments, communities, the private sector, civil society, academia, and research institutes is essential for developing effective water management strategies. Metsi A Lesothowill foster these partnerships and collaborations. By working together, with an approach similar to that of ReNOKA, we can ensure that water is managed sustainably and that the people of Lesotho have access to this vital resource for generations to come, balancing environmental, social, and economic considerations.
What strategies are you implementing to ensure the sustainability of water resources in the country?
Metsi A Lesothois employing a multifaceted strategy that encompasses WASH Infrastructure development, land and water conservation, capacity-building, and data support. By focusing on these areas, the programme is not only ensuring access to clean water but also promoting sustainable management practices and contributing to the long-term viability of Lesotho’s water resources.
WASH Infrastructure development involves the construction or rehabilitation of water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. This is crucial for providing the necessary infrastructure to support the health and well-being of the population. By investing in these facilities, Metsi A Lesotho is not only ensuring access to clean water but also promoting good hygiene practices and proper sanitation. Before building any new water supply system, the project in-line with Department of Rural Water Supply standards, will ensure the selection of the most sustainable water sources (e.g. well-measured springs), to use them as points for water provision. Periodic monitoring of these sources will be part of the operation and maintenance routines.
Land and water conservation is another vital component of Metsi A Lesotho’s strategy. The European in partnership with the German and Lesotho governments are actively contributing to Lesotho’s national movement, ReNOKA, which aims to restore land and water through sustainable management approaches and rehabilitation measures. During phase 2, 50 percent of Lesotho’s sub-catchments will be covered by ReNOKA actions.
Policy, capacity-building, and data support are also essential components of Metsi A Lesotho’s approach. Strategic planning is crucial for developing effective water policies and regulations. Additionally, providing water management professionals with the necessary skills to perform their roles is vital for the successful implementation of these policies. Data support is also critical, as it enables stakeholders in the water sector to monitor and assess the effectiveness of its initiatives, making adjustments as needed to ensure results.
How is your work involving and benefiting local communities in Lesotho?
Indeed, I would like to highlight ReNOKA, as an example of a comprehensive EU, German and Lesotho government-supported programme that not only addresses the pressing issue of environmental degradation but also empowers local communities to take ownership of their natural resources. ReNOKA currently implements rehabilitation measures in 18 priority areas, working directly with local communities. The aim is to extend the coverage to an additional 19 areas, covering 50 percent of total catchments. Working with the communities and for the communities, ReNOKA has already successfully realised soil rehabilitation measures in the country, reclaiming 565 hectares of watersheds, through a combination of measures such as terracing, drifts, and gabions. Wetlands are replenishing, grasslands are regenerating, and native flora and fauna are thriving. ReNOKA is also working with the communities to improve livelihoods initiatives, for instance through community savings groups, and help bring their products such as potatoes, honey, rosehip, to markets. We believe that initiatives like ReNOKA have the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of local communities. By providing additional support and resources, we can expand this type of work and create a ripple effect that benefits not just the local communities but also the environment as a whole. Metsi A Lesotho will work very closely with local communities and decentralised entities, such as the district-level members of the department of rural water supply.
With the component of Metsi A Lesotho around 125,000 people will access safe water and sanitation, bringing Lesotho closer to the Sustainable Development
What are some of the projects or activities that Metsi A Lesotho is undertaking?
The Metsi A Lesotho initiative is a comprehensive endeavour aimed at improving water access and management in Lesotho. As we move forward, we will see the efforts of our various partners in making these goals a reality. However, as mentioned before, Metsi A Lesothowill use various tools to achieve its objectives. These include WASH Infrastructure development, land and water conservation, and policy, capacity building, and data support.
What role does the EU play in supporting the Metsi a Lesotho initiative?
The European Union is playing a significant role in supporting Metsi a Lesotho by injecting €27 million (M540 million) into the programme. This investment underscores the EU’s commitment to ensuring that communities in Lesotho have access to clean water and sanitation services, while preserving water and land resources for present and future generations.
Kindly tell us about water access and sanitation issues that you’re working on, particularly in rural areas?
The challenges are diverse. Despite the reputation of Lesotho as the ‘water tower of Southern Africa’, 30 percent of the people surveyed by an Afrobarometer poll report that they consistently or frequently lack access to clean water for household use. This reality highlights the need for urgent action to ensure that all communities have equitable access to this vital resource.
Metsi A Lesotho is an initiative that aims to address these challenges. We are working to ensure that all communities have equitable access to clean water and sanitation facilities. We are also focusing on raising awareness about climate change and the importance of environmental protection.
What are Metsi A Lesotho initiative’s future priorities, and how can stakeholders support these?
As we move forward, our primary focus will be on achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6.1 by 2030 – achieving universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all – which is a crucial step towards a more equitable and sustainable future for the people of Lesotho.
We are committed to addressing the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on water resources in Lesotho and recognise that the changing climate poses significant risks to the region’s water security. It is imperative that we take proactive measures to mitigate these risks. Our initiatives will focus on preserving water resources for both present and future generations. Our initiatives will create job opportunities linked with water and sanitation supply systems and environmental protection. Our initiatives will not only benefit the local communities but also contribute to the overall economic development of Lesotho.
Stakeholders can play a vital role in supporting our initiatives by providing financial and technical assistance. Additionally, they can help raise awareness about the importance of water conservation, halt water pollution and the need for sustainable water management practices. Furthermore, they can collaborate with local communities to develop innovative solutions that address the unique challenges faced by Lesotho.
