Long-Term Water and Sanitation Strategy – Vol II, Water Sector Programme.

This Long-Term Water and Sanitation Strategy – Vol II, Water Sector Programme is a nationwide sectoral policy document. The vision for how the water sector would look like in 2030 include: Implementation of catchment management and development plans has resulted positively in improved livelihood in rural areas, improved food security and improved water resources and environmental management; Lesotho will be internationally recognised for its capacity for integrated monitoring and assessment of climate and water resources and will be adapting positively to climate change with evidence based programmes with links to catchment management activities; All Basotho will have access to appropriate and affordable water and sanitation services according to desired service levels; Full cost recovery for regulated water and sewerage services with Government subsidies specifically targeted to: i) ensure the provision of services to the poor, and ii) en-sure compliance with environmental regulations; The water resource development activities in Lesotho will be implemented in an integrated and sustainable manner; etc.
The potential long-term benefits from the investment in catchment management are expected o be huge in terms of reduced environmental degradation, economic development based on the natural resources in the catchment areas, and improved water and food security.
The Water Sector (WS) Programme seeks to contribute to protection of the environment and promotion of climate-friendly technologies and practices. The Document indicates that the catchment management activities are a key component in adapting to climate change and protection of the environment in general. Implementation of catchment development plans in the highlands and lowlands of Lesotho is likely to include renewable energy sources such as wind, hydropower and biomass. The Water Sector (WS) Programme focuses on Catchment Management and improved capacity for monitoring and assessment of water re-sources so as to achieve the proper management of the country’s water resources and its sustainable utilization.
The Water Sector (WS) Programme seeks to contribute to poverty reduction. According to the Document, provision of affordable water services combined with an integrated approach to water, sanitation and hygiene will contribute to health improvements and improved living standards for the poorer segments of the population. The catchment management activities and the links to productive use of water can have a major positive impact on employment and equitable economic development in rural areas. In order to achieve adequate and sustainable supply of potable water and sanitation services to all of the population of Lesotho, the Water Sector (WS) Programme focuses on improved access to water and sanitation services in both urban and rural areas, and focuses on establishment of coordination structures for catchment management and the effective involvement of local government structures and communities in natural resources management with adequate guidance and technical assistance from the national ministries.
The Water Sector (WS) Programme seeks to contribute to increasing the resilience of livelihoods to disasters. The overall focus for the WS Programme until 2020 include: Capacity for adapting to climate change has been improved through comprehensive water resources monitoring at catchment level and development of capacity for advanced and independent assessment of water resources and climate change impact at national level.