Lesotho, August 15, 2022

Under the patronage of H.E. the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Moeketsi Majoro, On behalf of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho, Mr.  Sultan Al Luihan Al Ankari, launched a project to supply five cities in the Kingdom of Lesotho with clean drinking water. The project is financed by a USD 11.2 million soft development loan from SFD. The project includes the construction of (210) km water pipes, and establishment of (25) water pumping stations. It enhances development cooperation between the two sides and develop the water sector services in Lesotho. The project aims at the sustainability of water resources, providing clean water sources, contributing to  water and food security  and reducing the effects of drought, as well as reducing diseases and epidemics resulting from contaminated water.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by H.E. Mr. Kimisu Musinini, Minister of Water of Lesotho, and a number of Lesotho officials.

In his speech, Al Ankari pointed out that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through SFD, aims to support and develop the water sector in the Kingdom of Lesotho through this vital project, which serves several regions and provides clean drinking water to the population. The project reduces water-related risks, difficulties and costs.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Majoro praised the efforts of the Government of the Kingdom through SFD in supporting the development sectors in the Kingdom of Lesotho over the past years. He pointed out that this project directly touches the needs of the population, as water is so important in human life, provides drinking water sources, reduces diseases and epidemics and supports the infrastructure.

It is worth noting that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's government attaches great importance to supporting the development sectors in the Kingdom of Lesotho through development projects and programs funded by SFD since 1980. In addition to this project, SFD has provided (4) development loans totaling USD (40) million to finance and implement (3) development projects and programs in the transportation and water sectors to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).