…vows to continue strengthening relations with Lesotho
Staff Reporter
THE United States (US)’s Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has contributed immensely towards Lesotho’s efforts to provide universal healthcare by constructing about 140 health clinics throughout the country since its dawn in 2007.
The MCC has also funded the construction of 30 000 latrines, renovated and equipped 15 health centres and trained 200 health practitioners across the country.
This according to the US Embassy Maseru Chargé d’Affaires, Keisha Toms Boutaleb, who said she was confident the US and Lesotho’s partnership would remain strong for centuries to come.
Ms Toms spoke at the embassy’s commemoration of her country’s 248th Independence Day in Maseru last week.
The US’s Independence Day, marked every 4 July, is a federal holiday commemorating the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain by the nation’s founding fathers. The declaration was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on 4 July 1776.
The Fourth of July, as the day is colloquially called, is a moment to celebrate the values of freedom, democracy, and unity of the United States. In some countries, like Lesotho this year, it is marked before the actual 4th of July, perhaps for logistical reasons.
The event was attended by several cabinet ministers including Energy Minister Professor Nqosa Mahao, Finance and Development Planning Minister Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane, Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition Minister Thabo Mofosi, Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police Minister Lebona Lephema, Natural Resources Minister Mohlomi Moleko, Labour and Employment Minister Tšeliso Mokhosi and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Limpho Tau. Members of other diplomatic missions were also present.
Ms Toms hailed the strong ties between the two countries.
“We are proud of the ways that the United States and Lesotho have expanded our partnership and we are committed to standing with the Mountain Kingdom as it strives to live up to the ideals expressed in its Nation Brand to work towards peace, stability, and inclusive development,” Ms Toms said.
“A cornerstone of our partnership has been our work together through the Millenium Challenge Corporation or MCC. Created by Congress in 2004 and celebrating its own 20th anniversary this year, MCC’s mandate is to partner with countries committed to good governance, economic freedom, and investing in their people. MCC’s partnerships work to develop and implement programs that can lift people out of poverty and ensure a brighter tomorrow.
“MCC’s prior compact with Lesotho was signed in 2007 and invested more than USD$350 million to enhance vital sectors of Lesotho’s infrastructure and governance. The Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho also made the substantial investment of over USD$150 million, which contributed to the development of health facilities throughout the country.
“Through our partnership under the MCC compact, the United States and Kingdom of Lesotho governments have:
- constructed nearly 140 health clinics, expanding access to healthcare services across the nation;
- renovated or equipped over 15 outpatient health departments and other medical facilities, bolstering Lesotho’s healthcare infrastructure;
- trained approximately 200 health practitioners in infection prevention and disease control, enhancing the capacity to combat health challenges;
- installed nearly 30,000 latrines, contributing to improved sanitation and public health;
- constructed the Metolong water treatment facility; and
- we have supported the enactment of the Legal Capacity of Married Persons Act, ensuring equal legal status for married women and enabling them to independently or jointly register their land. As a result, over 21,000 women now hold joint land titles, compared to 3,200 at the beginning of the Compact.”
This all happened under MCC Compact I which came into force in September 2008 to September 2013.
The MCC Compact II was launched on 11 April 2024 at Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village in Maseru. It is the $322.5 million (M6 billion plus) Lesotho Health and Horticulture Compact which seeks to assist the country in unlocking equitable and sustainable economic growth in partnership with the private sector by addressing key constraints to growth. The US government injected USD$300 million while the Lesotho government invested the remaining USD$22.5 million.
The new Compact aims to enhance access to quality healthcare, foster equitable business development opportunities, invest in high value crop production, and boost profits and formal employment opportunities for women and youth-owned enterprises.
“We can also celebrate and congratulate the government of the Kingdom of Lesotho on Entry into Force of the subsequent MCC Compact – the Lesotho Health and Horticulture Compact – this past April. This USD$300 million investment will build upon MCC’s previous compact and work to ensure greater access to quality healthcare, create equitable business development opportunities, invest in high-value crop production, and boost profits and formal employment for women and youth-owned enterprises.
“MCC’s compact with Lesotho will be one great sustainable solution to help pave the way to self-reliance. While MCC serves as the anchor of our partnership with the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho, our collaboration encompasses many other areas: Through the United States Peace Corps, more than 2,700 volunteers have served in Lesotho since 1967. Forty-four volunteers are currently serving in Lesotho, based in all 10 districts.
“Through the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), we have consistently been the largest donor to Lesotho’s HIV response, providing more than USD$892 million (M16.4 billion), over the past 17 years.
“Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, we are promoting literacy, health, and nutrition practices that are directly benefiting over 43,000 citizens. And through the recently awarded Food for Progress Program, we will be partnering with the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho and local industry to enhance and fortify the poultry sector,” Ms Toms said.
She also highlighted the security cooperation between the two countries which she said had grown in leaps and bounds. She said to date, more than 400 military officials and civilians from the Lesotho Defence Force and the Ministry of Defence and National Security had participated in the International Military Education and Training program.
“As we celebrate the diverse and expanding nature of our partnership, we reaffirm our unwavering dedication to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting good governance, and fostering inclusive economic growth in Lesotho.
“The United States remains steadfast in its support for Lesotho’s journey towards prosperity, stability, and self-reliance. Lesotho holds a special place in the hearts of the American people, and our bilateral relationship continues to flourish across various domains. Together, we strive to build a future where all people of the Mountain Kingdom can thrive and prosper.”
Speaking on behalf of Lesotho government, Mr Moteane congratulated the US government on its 248th independence anniversary. He also reflected on the strides achieved by the two countries’ partnership.
“For the past 58 years, the United States and Lesotho have enjoyed mutually beneficially cooperation based on equality, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. At the heart of relations between the two countries is the shared commitment to advance economic development.
“With flagship Programmes such as the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA), Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR), and others, Lesotho has gained significant economic advancement. The MCA grant provided additional access to clean water and improved sanitation facilities for domestic, commercial, and industrial users in both rural and urban settings. The USD$300 million Compact on Horticulture and Health launched in April this year will further add to poverty eradication efforts in Lesotho.
“As the government of the Kingdom of Lesotho, our commitment to further enhance our relations with the United States of America is beyond reproach,” Mr Moteane said.
