By Neo Kolane
The minister of mining, Serialong Qoo, has heaped praise on the corporate social investment responsibility programmes of two of the country’s leading diamond mines – Mothae and Kao.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday this week, Qoo noted that Mothae Mine in Mokhotlong has built nursery schools for the communities around it, something the mine has done consistently for the past few years.
The minister added that some of the previously existing schools did not have roofing but the problem has been addressed courtesy Mothae Mine’s initiative.
He went on to wax lyrical about Kao Mine which has set up a handful of self-reliance projects that have benefitted for the local communities.
“The mine offers training in bricklaying, catering and carpentry. No less than 90 youths are benefitting from these community empowerment projects.
“The mine also works with in close collaboration with the Lesotho Distance Teaching Centre for those who want to further their formal education. Under the programme, 91 people are benefitting from this initiative.
The local nursery school has an enrolment of 48 children. The mine pays the teachers,” Qoo concluded.