Lesotho officials visit to study decentralization, good governance

Mr. NTAI MAKOETJE (R), Deputy Principal Secretary in the Lesotho Ministry of Local Government, head of delegation

A delegation of officials from the kingdom of Lesotho are in Rwanda on a week- long, study tour on decentralization and good governance in order to consolidate partnerships between the two countries.

The group of 25 comprises of officials from various government institutions, including; the Ministry of Local Government, Local Government Service and Local Councils, Ministry of Public Service, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Planning and the Cabinet.

The team headed by the Deputy Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftainship of Lesotho, Mr. NTAI Makoetje, arrived in Rwanda on March 13, 2013.

Makoetje, believes that Rwanda is the best country in Sub-Saharan Africa in which Lesotho can use as a point of reference.

He commended the government’s efforts to improve the welfare and livelihood of its people by enhancing economic growth, reducing poverty, improving service delivery and deepening democracy, peace and stability.

“The establishment of an effective and efficient decentralized Local Government system is a major component of the Government’s strategy to fulfill these commitments,” Makoetje added.

The Lesotho delegation, led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Government, was also in the country last year in December 2012 again on study tour about decentralization, where both Ministries agreed to strengthen ties.