Maseru, Feb. 18 — Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) and Katse Action Aid launches 2026 Katse Dam Tourism Festival at a press conference in Maseru on Tuesday.
As part of the community development and sustainable livelihoods, Katse Dam Action Aid Community Forum supported by LHDA organised the Katse Tourism Festival.
With each passing year, the Katse Tourism Festival continues to attract growing numbers of attendees and is increasingly contributing to the promotion of tourism at the Katse Dam.
Chairperson of Katse Action Aid, Mr. Selikane Rakuoane, said that this year marks the 5th edition of the festival, which is held over two days. He explained that the festival traditionally begins on Friday, featuring cultural performances by learners from surrounding schools, aimed at preserving and promoting local culture among young people.
According to Mr. Rakuoane, activities continue on Saturday with cultural performances by elderly community members and organised groups from neighbouring villages. These performances are later followed by a music festival showcasing local artists.
Mr. Rakuoane further revealed that despite generating limited profits in previous years, the festival has enabled the association to purchase containers for children on lifelong medication for chronic illnesses, as well as sanitary pads, which are yet to be distributed to beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, he noted that although the festival is steadily growing in popularity, limited resources remain a major challenge, restricting the organisers’ ability to invite some of Lesotho’s most popular artists.
Speaking at the event Chief Executive at LHDA, Mr. Tente Tente said that they are thrilled as the authority to be part of Katse Tourism Festival and looking forward to the long lasting partnership.
Public Relations Manager at LHDA, Mr. Mpho Brown made the media aware that the event is graced by the presence of LHDA as the headline sponsor.
The Katse Tourism Festival is an annual event aimed at promoting cultural heritage, supporting community development and enhancing tourism potential of the Katse Dam area.
It celebrates not only culture and adventure but a reflection of four decades of shared progress honouring the communities whose heritage continue to shape the legacy of Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP).
Tourism has been identified as a key pathway for livelihood diversification in project affected communities by LHDA.
ENDS/REM/tl
