EU Donates Furniture Worth M6.4 Million to Lesotho Government
In a significant move to decentralize justice services in Lesotho, the government has received a generous donation of office furniture valued at M6.4 million from the European Union (EU). The donation is part of the EU’s Support for the Reform and Strengthening of Governance Programme in Lesotho, aimed at fostering the rule of law, good governance, human rights, and gender equality.
The furniture will be used to equip new offices for the Legal Aid department, the Directorate on Economic Offences (DCEO), and the Office of the Ombudsman in six districts: Mokhotlong, Butha Buthe, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek, Qacha’s Nek, and Thaba Tseka. This marks a significant improvement for underprivileged Basotho who have had to travel to Maseru to access state-sponsored legal services for the past 45 years.
Law and Justice Minister Richard Ramoeletsi welcomed the donation, saying it will go a long way in assisting the government’s goal of taking justice to the people. He emphasized that the EU’s support comes at an opportune time, coinciding with Lesotho’s national reforms and 200 years of nationhood.
The minister highlighted that the justice and governance services in Lesotho are highly centralized, making it difficult for vulnerable citizens to access these services. He expressed his gratitude to the EU for the generous gesture, which demonstrates its commitment to supporting Lesotho’s journey towards a sustainable and just future.
The EU’s Program Assistant for Governance, Mathe Tau, echoed the minister’s sentiments, stating that the donation will bolster the government’s efforts to improve service delivery across its ministries and address the issue of decentralization.
The government of Lesotho is also embarking on several initiatives to bring services to the people, including the establishment of new offices for the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Probation Unit, as well as the Senate and Lesotho Correctional Service.
The EU’s donation is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and the government is committed to putting the furniture to good use, ensuring efficient delivery of services to the Basotho people.
