By Neo Kolane
Prime minister Sam Matekane says his government will continue to work hard to meet requirements for the country to qualify or the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact II expected to be signed in March 2024.
Matekane on Tuesday said while Lesotho iscelebrating the achievement of passing 15 out of 20 indicators on the MCC score card ratings, much work still needs to be done especially in the four areas of fiscal policy, trade policy, land rights and access and natural resource protection.
The premier disclosed this while commenting onthe MCC Score Card of the Kingdom of Lesotho of 2023 by the United States of America on Tuesday this week.
He acknowledged that the MCC scorecards were a key component in its competitive selection process that highlights Lesotho’s achievements and milestones during the course of the year and determines the country’s eligibility for compact funding.
“As such, let me take this opportunity to celebrate our sustained achievement of passing 15 out of 20 indicators, which is a five percent increase from last year,” Matekane said.
He noted there was no doubt that Lesotho’s sound economic policies and the resilience of the Basotho people had contributed to the ratings.
“Pursuant to these gains, we stand here today humbled by the modest progress we have made together thus far and we hope to build on that momentum to do even better in the coming year,” he added.
He further attested that there is still much work to be done especially in the four areas of fiscal policy, trade policy, land rights and access and natural resource protection, where Lesotho flopped.
The MCC Board of Directors selects countries that demonstrate a commitment to just and democratic governance, investing in people, and economic freedom, using indicators compiled on scorecards.
Matekane further indicated that the government had already identified some of the reasons why Lesotho was not doing well in the indicators.
The country is committed to pass inheritance reforms with the twin objective of enabling the compact to enter into force by March 2024 and toimprove the country’s score on the land rights and access indicator, he said.
It is also committed to promoting gender equality by providing women and men with the same access to legal and public institutions and to participate in economic opportunities.
“We have embraced technology and innovation, recognising their transformative power hence the launch Sebabatso, an initiative which will focus on fostering youth innovation ideas and businesses.
“We are proud to have become a government that fosters youth entrepreneurship development, which is driving growth and creating new avenues for progress,” he said, adding that Lesotho’s commitment to control and eliminate corruption remains steadfast.
“We are working tirelessly to expose corrupt activities, keep public sector honest and accountable and ensure public servants work in the best interest of Basotho.
“Our efforts to reduce and control corruption have strengthened the quality of our service to the Basotho nation,” Matekane pointed out.
He stated that the commitment made by government to invest in people had never wavered over the years in pursuit of ensuring that all Basotho people have access to quality health services through the comprehensive strengthening of the country’s health systems.
He further thanked the United States government for investing in Lesotho’s health sector under MCC Compact I and the additional support pledged under the second compact.
“The US$300 million Health and Horticulture Compact grant will undoubtedly propel our economic vision and help up fight unemployment and poverty.”
Matekane assured US Ambassador Maria Brewerthat the government would ensure that every American dollar invested in the compact is used efficiently to maximise its impact in the country.
He said he expected finance and development planning minister Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane and her staff at Millennium Challenge Account (MCA)Lesotho, who are entrusted with the compact, to take the responsibility with vigour and commitment.
