EIB to Fund Lesotho Water Supply Project

European Investment Bank (EIB) has agreed to give €140m ($197m) to the Republic of Lesotho to help finance the €282m ($396.8m) Metolong Dam and Water Supply Programme, which aims to increase access to safe water in the African country.

The loan will go towards the construction of Metalong Dam, which includes related infrastructure works, a conveyance system, water treatment works, environmental and social management, and institutional support.

The Metolong Dam is expected to provide an additional 75,000m³ of clean water for 385,000 people by 2013.

The project will also supply treated bulk water to the capital Maseru and other urban centres by September 2013, while helping to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goal.