The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) has completed a complex three-months operation to relocate 448 graves from four villages of Tloha Re Bue, Masakong, Tlhakola, and Malingoaneng in Mokhotlong.
According to a statement released by the LHDA, the task was undertaken as part of the Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, specifically for the construction of the Polihali Dam.
The statement further indicated that recognising that relocation of graves was a sensitive and highly emotional process, the LHDA engaged the affected households and communities from the onset, considering their needs, opinions, and traditional practices.
LHDA Polihali Social Worker, Motšelisi Sefali indicated that respecting local customs and beliefs was central throughout the process.
Sefali added that recognizing the significance of the undertaking; traditional ceremonies were held in Malingoaneng and Tloha-re-bue to honour the ancestors before the relocation began.
“Basotho culture places great significance on our ancestors. These ceremonies were essential before exhumation,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the elders at the pre-relocation ceremony, at the beginning of the process, Tšepang Tsakatsi of Tloha Re Bue, thanked the LHDA for observing the cultural custom of slaughtering two cows one male and one female to enable the community to call on the ancestors to relocate to the new burial grounds.
“We also acknowledge LHDA’s understanding that the affected members’ beliefs and religious customs are diverse, hence the payment of compensation to each affected family to facilitate a customary ceremony in honour of their relocated loved ones,” Tsakatsi stated.
In addition to the physical relocation, LHDA provided comprehensive psychosocial support to the affected households, both during and after the process. Over 166 families received compensation support as they adjust to the changes.
The activity also created employment opportunities for residents. More than 30 casual labourers were hired from the affected villages, with two individuals from the LHDA trade skills development programme promoted to semi-skilled builder positions.
The grave relocation was carried out by the PGS-Koti Sephola joint venture, a partnership between a South African company and a local Mokhotlong business. Ntha Foods, another Mokhotlong-based company, provided catering services for the project team.
The completion of this phase marks a significant milestone in the Polihali Dam project while demonstrating LHDA’s commitment to respecting the community’s cultural heritage and well-being.
[10:14, 17/08/2024] Chax: Caption: WFP Lesotho representative and country director Aurore Rusiga
Japan boosts school feeding programme
‘Mantšali Phakoana
The World Food Programme (WFP) has been bolstered by a grant of M25 million (approximately JPY 200) from the government of Japan, which will help ensure that 50,000 pre-school children across the country receive nutritious meals through the school feeding programme.
The grant is a testament to Japan’s commitment to improving food security and health outcomes for the country’s future leaders.
The contribution is expected to buy canned fish, rice and fortified maize meal to further diversify nutritious meals offered in the Early Childhood Care Development (ECCD) centers across the country for over 180 school days.
This comes after the government of Lesotho declared a national food insecurity disaster effective from 12 July 2024 to 31 March 2025 and asked for support from multi-sectoral partners and stakeholders to combat the food insecurity in the country.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on Wednesday this week, Chief Education Officer-Basic Education Thuto Ntšekhe-Mokhele said the school feeding programme was important as it addresses malnutrition, stunting and low enrolment rates in pre and primary schools.
Mokhele indicated that many children rely on school meals and for most of them this would be their only nutritious meal in a day.
“The school feeding programme is an investment and evidence that better nutrition enhances cognitive development and improves school attendance,” she pointed out.
For his part, WFP Lesotho representative and country director Aurore Rusiga indicated that Lesotho’s food security situation remains dire as a result of high food prices and climatic shocks such as the EL Nino induced drought.
She pointed out that the assessment findings indicate that the number of food-insecure people are approximately 700,000 (a third of the population), which includes about 403,000 individuals in rural areas and 296,000 individuals in urban areas.
Rusiga said all the 10 districts of Lesotho were anticipated to be in IPC 3 (Crisis) or worse from October 2024 to March 2025.
“The support from Japan comes at a critical time, given that more people are food insecure and in need of help.
“Most pre-primary school learners come from food insecure households and school meals are the most nutritious meal that they receive, allowing them to remain healthy and ready to learn.
“The contribution from the government of Japan will ensure the undisrupted provision of school lunches.
Currently, learners receive a hot plate of highly fortified porridge, rich in vitamins and minerals, every day, thanks to the government of Japan’s assistance,” Rusiga noted.
Meanwhile, the Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Lesotho, Shigeru Ushio highlighted that Japan’s partnership with WFP illustrates the country’s commitment towards eradicating hunger and ending malnutrition in all its forms.
“We anticipate that this food assistance allows vulnerable children to remain in school and reach their full potential,” he said.
The government of Japan is a long-standing partner of WFP in Lesotho, having contributed over US$13 million since 2019.
