By Neo Kolane
A group of concerned citizens calling itself Tsa Habo Moshemane Ha Li Jooe has asked the Directorate on Corruption of Economic Offences (DCEO) to investigate natural resources minister Mohlomi Moleko over his involvement with a company organising the ongoing Metsi Ke Bophelo Water & Hydrogen in a Digital Future Conference and Expo in Maseru.
In an October 9, 2023 letter to the DCEO, the group accused Moleko of working in cahoots with Metsi Ke Bophelo (PTY) Ltd, which it describes as a ‘dubious and amorphous entity’.
The expo which is being held at ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre started yesterday and ends today.
Speaking at the event yesterday, prime minister Samuel Matekane said the expo is a moment of discussion and reflection about what should be done with Lesotho’ natural endowments.
He noted that the resources should not benefit Basotho alone about also other African countries that for years suffered the same fate as Basotho yet they have been blessed with many riches.
Matekane also pointed out that the Southern African region is grappling with many challenges that include water and electricity crises, and economic woes.
“A new call to action has emerged, one that recognises Lesotho’s vital role as a partner in addressing the pressing challenges of our region.
“The region, as well as South Africa, look to us to continue being a dependable water and energy supply partner, anchoring agriculture industry with our abundant water resources,” he said.
Matekane added that Lesotho is tasked by regional demand with developing cutting-edge technologies around its water endowment.
However, Tsa Habo Moshemane Ha Li Jooe argues that the conference should not have been allowed to proceed because the Memorundum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the ministry of natural resources and Metsi Ke Bophelo (PTY) Ltd was fraudulent.
Attorney General, Advocate Rapelang Motsieloa last week raised the red flag and advised that the conference should be postponed, citing the agreement between the two parties was null and void.
Motsieloa told a parliament briefing that the agreement with Metsi Ke Bophelo Advocacy Incorporated was signed August 25, 2023 before the company was even registered in Lesotho. It was only registered on September 6 2023, he said.
Motsieloa indicated that in as much the conference and expo is touted to bear fruitful results, it should not continue given this legal loophole.
Tsa Habo Moshemane Ha Li Jooe told the DCEO that Moleko had confirmed that the African Development Bank and some local and foreign organisations had deposited funds into the bank accounts of Metsi Ke Bophelo and the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC).
The group’s letter to DCEO comes after Motsieloa indicated that the ministry of resources was wrongly advised to involve the LNDC in the planning of the conference because it signed the MoU on behalf of the government, and not the parastatal.
“Signatories thereto include the principal secretary of the ministry of natural resources. There is a fraudulent MoU signed by and between the minister himself and Mr Mashudu (Ramano) on August 25, 2023 prior to the incorporation of Metsi Ke Bophelo on September, 21, 2023,” it said.
It further noted that in lights of this, the Public Finance Management Act had been egregiously infracted.
The group added that notwithstanding legal advice of the Attorney General, misgivings of the Accountant General and supervisory directive of the relevant portfolio committee, Moleko was adamant to proceed with the expo.
“It is our considered opinion that it is written within legal remit of duties of the institution to heed the cautionary voice of the public and at the behest of concerned citizens act with dispatch to prevent money laundering, racketeering and other incidental crimes,” the letter to the DCEO says.
Moleko has also come under fire from various stakeholder who have questioned the way he conducted himself with the Metsi Ke Bophelo PTY (Ltd).
The Lesotho Council of Non-Government Organisations (LCN) this week said by dealing with the company directly, the minister had failed to consider the principal of separation of powers.
LCN democracy and human rights commission coordinator, Advocate Lebohang Leeu said Moleko had over stepped his functions.
Leeu said a memorandum of understanding cannot be established then at the end, there is an introduction of a party whose existence comes post-establishment of the relationship.
“Constitutionally, it is controversial. The minister does not act alone; he should consult with the administration that he reports to, which is the ministry of natural resources.
“For purposes of checks and balances, he overstepped the powers of others,” she noted.
Leeu added that the minister did not consult the relevant powers, especially when getting into relationships with foreign investors, saying he should be given the powers to do so by the Lesotho government.
“A person cannot do it as an individual. Even if it is for the good of the country, one needs to consult with the relevant bodies,” she pointed out.
Non-governmental organisation, Survivors of Lesotho Dams (SOLD) also did not have kind words for Moleko.
SOLD national coordinator, Mothusi Seqhee told theReporter this week that the expo and conference was being held against the law.
Seqhee said the minister cannot partake in water resources without consulting the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) because there are still many clashes when it comes to the project, especially issues of compensation.
He claimed that everything about Metsi ke Bophelo (PTY) Ltd is being hurried.
“Hydrogen digitalisation cannot be undertaken without dealing with projects like the LHWP which is already in existence, or sitting down with Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa which are part of the Orange – Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM).”
Seqhee also indicated that even if the expo is important, there was need for consultations to be made first with local and regional bodies involved in huge water projects.
“When we talk about water, we cannot divorce from LHWP which plays a critical role on how our water should be handled.
“Lesotho has water in abundance but there has never been a time when we were asked how the water benefits us as a country in general,” Seqhee said, adding that Moleko should have abided by the Attorney General’s recommendation that the expo should be halted.
“Private companies’ intention is to make money; they cannot make such a conference without money movement.
“This expo and conference is something that was not in the mind of the government, they are just being pressurised by the private company,” Seqhee said.
Addressing the expo, Moleko said Lesotho’s natural resources could play a central part in the country’s sustainable development.
He said the event would make Lesotho the worlds’ first sustainable digital hydro nation, moving it from the category of least developed countries.
“In spite of the country being known for its abundant water resources, 60 percent of Basotho do not have access to clean and accessible water and sanitation,” Moleko added.
