Mohale’s Hoek, Aug. 26 — The Government of Lesotho, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, is stepping in to implement the long-awaited Market Driven Irrigated Horticulture (MDIH) project in Phamong following the closure of Millennium Challenge Account (MCA)-Lesotho II in 2024.
The project will now be implemented under the Sustainable Irrigated Horticulture, Health and Business Development Project Implementing Unit (SIHHBDP-PIU).
This was confirmed by members of the PIU during a meeting convened for Heads of Departments to introduce the project and provide an update on the transition from MCA-Lesotho II to SIHHBDP-PIU.
The meeting also discussed arrangements put in place to ensure continuity in the implementation of the project.
Presenting the programme’s planned activities in the district, Private Sector Development Activity Manager Mrs Charlotte Moeketsi outlined the next steps, implementation plans, coordination mechanisms and areas of collaboration required for effective implementation.
She said the PIU would consult local authorities, including community councils in affected areas, to ensure that communities receive information about the programme being implemented by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.
Moeketsi said the PIU would also hold public gatherings in affected villages under area chiefs, where community members would be given an opportunity to express their views and contribute to the operational plans.
She said the programme is also in the process of recruiting experts to undertake various tasks and ensure that the seven-year target is achieved.
Asked how many jobs the programme would create, Moeketsi said it would create many employment opportunities, adding that recruitment would start afresh in line with government policy.
Meanwhile, District Administrator Ms. Moleboheng Lebele welcomed the continuation of the programme, saying communities were in desperate need of employment opportunities.
“I personally cannot wait for the operations to commence. Our communities are in desperate need for jobs,” she said.
The development follows Government’s commitment during the 2026/27 Budget Speech in March to secure funding to ensure the continuation of the project.
The project was affected after the United States Government’s Foreign Aid Assessment Review in January 2024 resulted in significant cuts to foreign aid to Lesotho, followed by the closure of MCA-Lesotho II.
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