Lesotho Celebrates One Year of Success for Rural WASH Project ‘Metsi-Maholo’ at Ha Sempe Community

This week, the Prime Minister of Lesotho, Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane, together with the Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Mohlomi Moleko, joined forces with key international partners to celebrate a major milestone in improving rural access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. The event at Ha Sempe community marked the successful completion of one year of the Rural WASH Project, also known locally as Metsi-Maholo.

The celebration was attended by Ambassador Paola Amadei, Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation in Lesotho, and Mr. Deepak Bhaskaran, representing the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Together, they highlighted the transformative impact the project has had on thousands of Basotho communities.

Since its launch, Metsi-Maholo has restored health and dignity to over 10,269 people by improving access to safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education across Lesotho. The project has successfully rehabilitated water supply systems in 39 rural communities, 10 schools, and one health facility, bringing tangible benefits to some of the country’s most vulnerable populations.

Ambassador Amadei praised the continued commitment of the EU and the European Investment Bank (EIB) to Lesotho’s water sector. “Our support extends beyond Metsi-Maholo to large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Lesotho Lowlands Water Development Project Phase II, which builds on the foundational work of Phase I and the construction of the Metolong Dam,” she said.

She also pointed out that the recent rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities at Ha Sempe alone has positively impacted 328 people, with additional ripple effects on the local economy. “Improved water access not only enhances health outcomes but also contributes to community livelihoods,” Ambassador Amadei added.

Minister Moleko reiterated the government’s dedication to sustainable water development as a critical component of national growth and wellbeing. The partnership between Lesotho, the EU, UNICEF, and other stakeholders demonstrates a collaborative approach toward meeting the country’s development goals in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As Metsi-Maholo marks its first anniversary, the project stands as a testament to what strategic partnerships and focused investment can achieve in transforming lives through improved water, sanitation, and hygiene services.

The Lesotho government and its partners remain committed to expanding these efforts to more communities, ensuring that every Basotho citizen has reliable access to clean water and improved sanitation facilities.