Abu Dhabi Fund grants 77.1m loan to Lesotho for Metolong Dam

Abu Dhabi, Nov 25, 2012 (WAM) - Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) injected Dh77.13 million in Metolong Dam project in Lesotho through a new agreement with the Lesotho government. The agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi by ADFD's director general Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi and deputy finance minister of Lesotho Mats'epo Ramakoae. "Through contributing to this strategic project, we aim to improve the quality of life of the local community by developing the water sector. The project will provide to provide an additional 71000 cubic meters/day of drinking water to the capital city of Maseru and neighboring towns. It will also reinforce food security and expand irrigated lands to boost the country's agricultural production," Al Suwaidi said. "The agreement reflects the approach and priorities of the wise leadership of Abu Dhabi to supporting developing nations and harnessing all potentials to back their sustainable development," he noted. According to the Lesotho official, the new agreement will enable the government to provide clean water, boost agriculture, food security and economic stability for the local population. The dam is expected to meet demands on water up to 2025. The dam is being built on the South Phutiatsama River to contain 53 million cubic meters of water in its reservoir. The dam project also includes water storage and purification facilities, four stations to pump water to four cities, 89 kilometers of water pipelines and other electro-mechanical works. In 1987, ADFD funded two development projects in Lesotho with Dh 6.7 million. - Emirates News Agency, WAM