Maseru — The Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM), in partnership with the governments of Lesotho and Botswana, on Thursday inaugurated the Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project (LBWTP) Project Management Office, marking a key milestone in the project's development.

The office will coordinate the remaining feasibility studies that will guide future decisions on the implementation of the regional water transfer project.

Officially opening the office, Minister of Natural Resources Mr. Mohlomi Moleko said the project presents an opportunity for Lesotho to contribute to regional water security while supporting the country's national development goals.

He said water remains one of Lesotho's most valuable natural resources, with the potential to stimulate economic growth, strengthen regional cooperation and improve the livelihoods of Basotho.

Mr. Moleko stressed that the success of major infrastructure projects should be measured not only by the infrastructure they deliver, but also by their impact on people's lives.

He said such projects should create economic opportunities, strengthen communities, protect the environment and promote sustainable development for both present and future generations.

The minister noted that the Project Management Office is currently focusing on completing the outstanding feasibility studies in line with international best practice.

He said the remaining technical studies, environmental and social impact assessments, as well as financial, legal and institutional studies, will provide the information needed for informed decision-making before the project can proceed.

Mr. Moleko also urged the office to ensure that the project complies with environmental and social safeguard standards while engaging openly with affected and potentially affected communities and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, ORASECOM Executive Secretary Mr. Comfort Molosiwa described the Project Management Office as more than an administrative facility, saying it symbolises the benefits of regional cooperation.

He said the initiative demonstrates that African countries can work together through partnership and dialogue to develop shared water resources for the benefit of their people.

Mr. Molosiwa said the Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project is a strategic regional initiative involving the governments of Lesotho, Botswana and South Africa under ORASECOM's Integrated Water Resources Management Plan.

He added that Namibia, as the fourth Orange-Senqu riparian state and an ORASECOM member, is participating in the Joint Study Management Committee as an official observer, reflecting the commission's commitment to shared management of transboundary water resources.

He further noted that the project has been recognised under the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), highlighting its importance in promoting regional integration, climate resilience and long-term water security across the continent.

He said the office has been established to coordinate and manage the remaining feasibility studies that will support future decisions on the implementation of the Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project.

The Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project is a regional initiative being developed under the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) to improve long-term water security in Southern Africa. The project seeks to transfer water from Lesotho's abundant water resources to Botswana, while supporting regional cooperation and sustainable development.