Leribe, July. 28 — With the purpose of seeking Lesotho’s input to United Nations (UN) Water Convention adopted in 1992, Water Commission through Department of Water Affairs on Monday held a one day workshop on the Convention on the Protection and use of Transboundary Water courses and International Lakes at Hlotse in Leribe.
Speaking at the workshop, the representative Department of Water Affairs Mr. Tlhoriso Morienyane said the Governance structure for water sector states the commissioner of water responsible for Transboundary water issues on behalf of the Ministry of Natural Resource.
He further explained that the office of Commissioner of Water was legally established through Water Act of 2008.
Additionally Morienyane said one of the functions of Commissioner of Water is to provide policy direction to the Department through Water and Sanitation.
“Policy Statement was developed in 2007,” he stated.
He indicated that Policy Statement four looks especially on Transboundary water resources, strengthening cooperation with riparian States.
Moreover, he said Water and Sanitation Strategy was developed in 2016 and has key focus areas such as establishment of catchment management and development of water resources for the benefit of Lesotho and neighbouring countries.
He highlighted that Commissioner of Water is the leader of Lesotho delegation to Lesotho and Botswana Water Transfer Project.
“At continental level, Commissioner of Water is the national focal point for Africa Ministers Council of Water,” he stated.
