As part of his official visit to the Kingdom of Lesotho, United Nations General Secretary, Mr. Antonio Guterres, embarked on a tour of the Katse Dam in Leribe on Friday. Accompanied by key officials from both the United Nations and the Lesotho government, the tour highlighted the importance of this significant infrastructure project to the nation.
The visit was graced by the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Lejone Mpotjoane, and Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Mahlomola Moleko. United Nations Representative in Lesotho, Mrs. Amanda Mukwashi, also joined the delegation.
Mr. Guterres had previously addressed the Lesotho Parliament on Thursday, where he expressed his commitment to advocating for reduced-interest loans for African countries. These loans, he emphasized, are crucial for funding large-scale infrastructure projects that can drive economic growth and development across the continent.
In an interview following the tour, Minister of Natural Resources Mr. Mahlomola Moleko expressed his pride in the visit, stating that it was an honor for the United Nations General Secretary to tour the Katse Dam, which is one of the largest and most impactful projects in Lesotho. He highlighted the dam’s role in providing water for domestic use and hydroelectric power generation, both vital for the country’s development.
The Katse Dam, a key component of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, not only serves as a critical resource for Lesotho but also provides water to neighboring South Africa. The tour by Mr. Guterres underscored the growing recognition of the importance of such large-scale projects in fostering regional cooperation and economic growth.
