Maseru, Sept.24 — The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) said that its partnership with Eventful Moments is aimed at creating broader economic and social value for communities beyond infrastructure development.
Speaking at the launch of the LHDA Mokhotlong Highlands marathon, the LHDA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Tente Tente said that the initiative forms part of the Authority’s deliberate investment in ensuring that development projects benefit communities and contribute to the wider economy.
“Our partnership with Events for Moments is therefore a deliberate investment in positioning the Highlands as a destination promoting active lifestyles and ensuring that the benefits of the project extend beyond infrastructure to the people and the economy itself,” he said.
He said the Authority had revised its 10-year strategy to shift public understanding from simply knowing what the organisation does to understanding why it undertakes its development interventions.
He noted that the organisation’s predecessors had an opportunity to name it the “Highlands Authority” or “Implementing Agency” but chose a name reflecting its broader developmental mandate.
According to Mr. Tente the current initiative demonstrates that vision as the Authority seeks to leverage project investments to create wider developmental value.
He said that such initiatives could help unlock the potential of the Highlands by linking infrastructure investment with tourism, wellness, local businesses and community participation.
Meanwhile, a representative from Eventful Moments Mr. Ts’uinyane Rapapa said that this opportunity is not only an opportunity for them but also for the community of Mokhotlong at large as the marathon event will help improve the tourism sector of the district.
He mentioned that the expected number of participants is about 650 whereby 150 are expected to be international participants.
The partnership is therefore expected to contribute to the diversification of economic opportunities in the Highlands while encouraging healthier and more active lifestyles among communities and visitors.
Ends/NT
