Quthing, April 29 (LENA) — Prime Minister Mr. Samuel Matekane has officially launched a new animal dip tank at Letlapeng in Likhaebaneng cattle posts, in the Letša-La-Letsie catchment area on Wednesday.
The dip tank was built at a cost of more than M240,000 by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry under the Regeneration of Landscapes and Livelihoods (ROLL) project.
It replaces the former dip tank which was within the lake boundaries, after the Department of Environment recommended that it be moved to protect livestock, plants and water quality.
Speaking at the ceremony held at Peete Wool-shed premises in Qhoali constituency, Mr. Matekane said the project supports the policies of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition.
He highlighted that it shows government’s commitment to helping farmers in the wool and mohair production sector, which he described as importan entities for improving livelihoods, creating jobs and supporting the country’s economy.
The Prime Minister pointed out that Letša-La-Letsie must be protected as it has been declared a site under an international convention that safeguards ecosystems, biodiversity and wetlands.
He pointed out that properly managed rangelands are the basis of biodiversity conservation and livestock production, and called on community leaders and farmers to work together through rotational grazing.
Mr. Matekane expressed appreciation to ROLL for funding the project and praised community leaders for their cooperation.
He promised 300 more blankets and said government would also look into the need for electricity connections, a health clinic, clean water supply, school electrification and road maintenance.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Mr. Thabo Mofosi welcomed the relocation of the dip tank, saying it would help to keep the environment healthy and also promote tourism.
He said preparations are underway for the resumption of international wool sales, which were suspended because of foot-and-mouth disease. Principal Chief of Quthing, Chief Seeiso Nkuebe, also welcomed the project and said development initiatives must be protected for the benefit of Basotho.
Director of Water and Soil Conservation in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Mr. Lerotholi Letsie, said the ROLL project addresses land degradation, climate change and poverty in six districts through sustainable agriculture, tree planting and wetland protection.
ROLL Project Director Mr. Mofihli Mot’sets’ero said the dip tank is part of wider activities, including the planned construction of a water retention wall at Letša-La-Letsie.
District Veterinary Officer Dr. Makhanyane Mohapi urged farmers to use the dip tank properly to control small stock diseases and prevent foot-and-mouth disease.
She said cases affecting horses have also been reported in areas such as Seforoong, Maqokho and Mohlakoana.
Community Councilor for Ha-Peete, Mr. Khauta Lebeta, applauded the government for such development and appealed for better roads, clean water, electricity and agricultural inputs such as seeds and fertilisers.
Chairperson of Makoae Wool and Mohair Association, Mr. Mokole Rankoro, said the dip tank will benefit farmers across community councils and promised to help protect it.
The ROLL Project is a major environmental and rural development programme supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Government of Lesotho. It is being implemented in Thaba-Tseka, Leribe, Berea, Qacha’s Nek and Botha-Bothe districts.
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