Maloti-Drakensberg TFCA: Status update

TFCA Facilitator for Lesotho’s progress report

Introduction

The Maloti-Drakensberg TFCA was blessed with probably one of the best winter months since 1981. Although we sympathize with farmers in both Lesotho and South Africa who lost some animals to the cold, the snow of 2002 is a natural gift to our region and builds the very important water bank in our wetlands.

The main news for July is the signing of the Grant Agreement with the World Bank on 26 July 2002, and we would like to report on that and other activities of the month.

Signing of the Grant Agreement

A total amount of US$7,625 million was allocated to Lesotho for the implementation of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier and Development Project. This money is provided as a grant from the Global Environmental Facility and the World Bank will manage the project. The bilateral agreement between Lesotho and South Africa regarding Transfrontier Conservation, allows for cooperation across the border of the countries and the World Bank invited both governments to sign the Grant Agreement at the Johannesburg International Airport Holiday Inn on 26 July 2002.

We were honoured by the presence of both Minister Ambassador Lebohang Ntsinyi, National Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Lesotho, and Minister Valli Moosa, National Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism of South Africa, who signed the Grant Agreements. Hon Minister Nalend Singh, Minister of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal signed the project agreement for South Africa. Mr Fayez Omar, Country Director for the World Bank, officiated all the agreements on behalf of the World Bank.

Appointment of Coordinators and Members of the Project Coordination Units

During the last month, the positions of coordinator, accountant and procurement officer in Lesotho have been advertised and the selection process will commence shortly. These posts have been advertised in South Africa during early 2002 and the appointment of the successful candidates will be announced soon.

Related Projects in the Maloti-Drakensberg TFCA region

It is very important to realize that the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier and Conservation Development Area is only one of several projects in this part of Lesotho. Other Tourism Development Projects related to the development of this Transfrontier region includes:

The Mahlasela Ski-Resort developed by Afri-Ski and Leisure (Pty) Ltd.
The proposed Khubelu River Valley Tourism Development
The proposed Sentinel Cable Way Development

Conclusion

During July 2002, the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation and Development Project entered the final phase of reaching the Conditions for Effectiveness, set by the World Bank. It is now up to the people, chosen to run with this project, to make a success.