Local artisans and aspiring tourism entrepreneurs celebrated a brighter future in early July as the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) marked a major milestone in its commitment to empowering local communities affected by the construction of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
In a vibrant ceremony held in Tlokoeng, Mokhotlong, over 200 artisans and 41 community members who participated in the community-based tourism training programme received their certificates, opening doors to new employment and income-generating opportunities.
The Honourable Minister of Natural Resources presided over the event. He was joined by representatives from the Ministry of Education and Training, the Technical Vocational Department, the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), and local authorities.
Building skills, building futures
The Skills Testing and Accreditation Programme, a cornerstone of the broader Phase II livelihoods restoration programme, has been instrumental in providing formal recognition of the existing technical skills of community members. This year, the programme expanded beyond its initial focus on trades like bricklaying, masonry and carpentry to include refresher training in plastering, roofing and welding, further enhancing the employability of participants and expanding their range of services where required.
“This programme is about unlocking potential,” said Tente Tente, LHDA’s Chief Executive. “By providing formal certification, we are empowering individuals to access better job opportunities within the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and regionally. Since the programme’s inception in 2022, over 1700 community members from Mokhotlong district in the Phase II project area, have graduated from the skills accreditation programme. These graduates are not just receiving certificates; they are receiving the tools to build a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities.”
The programme is implemented in partnership with Lesotho’s Ministry of Education and Training’s Technical and Vocational Department (TVD).
Unlocking the potential of tourism
In a first for the programme, certificates were also awarded to graduates of the community-based tourism development training programme. Developed and implemented in collaboration with the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), this initiative equips community members with the skills and knowledge to capitalize on the growing ecotourism sector.
From managing rural homestays to crafting unique souvenirs and guiding tourists through the breathtaking landscapes, these newly trained entrepreneurs are poised to play a vital role in Lesotho’s tourism industry.
The programme aims to prepare project-affected communities to recognise and benefit from tourism initiatives, linkages with South African Tourism agencies (Underberg Tour Guides and Operators), and the tourism potential of the infrastructure established by the project, including the majestic Polihali Dam, Polihali Transfer Tunnel and the magnificent bridges. The network of interconnected roads and improved telecommunications put in place for Phase II ensure improved access to the remote mountainous region of the Eastern Highlands of Lesotho, further enhancing the tourism potential of Phase II.
Lesotho Highlands Water Project: a sustainable future for Lesotho
By investing in the capabilities of local communities, the LHDA is ensuring that the benefits of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project are shared by all.
Beyond vocational skills accreditation, the broader Phase II livelihoods restoration programme includes financial education with special focus on households receiving compensation for assets acquired by the project, business development training and mentorship, and agricultural support programmes to enable local subsistence farmers to expand their farming enterprises to revenue generating enterprises.
The LHDA’s multifaceted approach demonstrates a deep commitment to collaboration in building a sustainable future for Lesotho. By equipping individuals with tools and knowledge, the LHDA is not only mitigating the impacts of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project but also fostering a legacy of empowerment and opportunity that will benefit generations to come. The vibrant ceremony in Tlokoeng stands as a testament to the transformative power of investing in human potential and the bright future being built in the heart of Lesotho’s highlands.
