Although the United States (US) President, Donald Trump rescinded his order of freezing funding for international HIV and AIDS programs, it was a wakeup call for Lesotho to grow her economy.
This was said by the Economist Mr. Majakathata Mokoena in an interview with the Agency, saying there is need for the country to use its own resources to grow the economy as those entrusted to uplift the lives of the people whenever a crisis hits the country use donations for their own benefit.
"We need to be serious on what we want Lesotho to be”, he said, making an example that Lesotho;s vision 2020 was negatively affected by corruption.
He further revealed that President Trump had to retract his order as the US budget was passed by the Former President, Joe Biden a few weeks ago so it did not make sense that he suspended above -mentioned programmes when the budget had already been allocated.
The next budget allocation will be in six months’ time, which is a long time and Trump might find himself in negotiations as some people within the US Parliament could lodge lawsuits; he added.
Mokoena further elaborated that could President Trump continue with his decision; it is clear that many Basotho would lose jobs as there would be no money but that might make a positive impact towards the private sector development.
"Let’s see what they could do in the private sector, they might come up with sound business plans and be out of their comfort zone," he said.
Meanwhile the Prime Minister honourable Ntsokoane Matekane earlier allayed fears of the nation with regard to Trump's decision, saying both countries have mutual relations and assured the nation that the government has taken this matter seriously and will analyse it to ensure the nation is not affected.
He also disclosed that the government and development partners are working tirelessly to analyse the effects of this decision. Reports indicate that the Trump administration on Wednesday rescinded an order putting a widespread freeze on most federal grants and loans amid significant criticism. It was also reported that the rescission was ordered by the office of management and budget.
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