The Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and members of the District Disaster Management Team (DDMT) on Monday conducted a joint monitoring exercise of a water project at Ha-Ntlama in Thaba-Bosiu.
The project, implemented under the Drought Emergency Appeal Project (DREP), is carried out by LRCS with financial support from IFRC. Addressing the community, LRCS Senior Branch Development Officer Mr. Mokholoane Sefatsana said the purpose of the exercise was to assess project performance and provide technical guidance where necessary.
He noted that the intervention followed the declaration of a State of Emergency due to drought in 2024, adding that Ha-Ntlama was among villages severely affected by water scarcity. Mr. Sefatsana explained that LRCS rehabilitated the water source and reservoir by installing new water pipes, plastering the structure and sealing leakages to ensure a sustainable supply of clean drinking water.
Community members commended LRCS for the intervention, stating that since completion of the project they have not experienced water shortages. They pledged to safeguard the reservoir to ensure it continues to benefit future generations.
The villagers further highlighted the link between water, hygiene and sanitation, indicating that although access to water has improved, the community still lacks adequate toilet facilities.
They appealed to LRCS for assistance with sanitation infrastructure. Speaking during a meeting held prior to the monitoring tour, District Disaster Management Officer Mrs. Sophie Ralejoe emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen planning, implementation and execution of development projects.
IFRC Representative Ms. Bongeka Mpinke commended the DDMT for its dedication, noting that Lesotho is among the few countries with such a structured disaster management system.
She urged members across sectors to strengthen their support to LRCS to ensure smooth implementation of projects. Other initiatives under DREP include the provision of M1,500 cash assistance and distribution of seedlings to vulnerable households in Mohlakeng and Mazenod community councils.
The Ha-Ntlama water project currently supplies clean drinking water to approximately 116 households. Similar monitoring exercises are expected to be conducted in other districts, including Mafeteng and Mohale’s Hoek.
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