Lesotho gets clean water, thanks to Dh77m UAE aid

Metolong Dam project in Lesotho, South Africa.

Finally, the people of the land-locked Lesotho in South Africa got their drinking water, thanks to Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), which has granted Dh77 million in concessionary loan towards the construction of Metolong Dam.
The government of Lesotho has completed the construction of the dam, which provides 71,000-cubic metre drinking water a day, recently.
ADFD's loan was used to finance construction work of the concrete dam and its outbuildings, as well as for pumping and purifying plants and distribution pipelines.
Built at a total cost of Dh700 million, the dam aims to support Lesotho's economy by enhancing the country's water infrastructure, and augmenting existing drinking water sources in the capital Maseru, its arterial towns and surrounding villages. The dam is expected to meet the population's water demands until 2025.
Muhammad Seif Al Suwaidi, Managing Director, ADFD, said that the UAE, under the leadership of the President, His Highness Shaikh Kahlifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is keen to support and develop strong relationships with African nations that would ensure significant benefits for all concerned.
"ADFD remains committed to financing new infrastructure development projects that are a priority for the government of Lesotho and other developing countries in Africa. The ADFD contributory loan of $21 million has helped finance the construction of the Metolong Dam, one of the most important dams in the country that meets a significant need for drinking water in several cities in Lesotho."
For its part, the government of Lesotho expressed its gratitude to the UAE for its support in achieving sustainable development across different sectors of the country's economy.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com