Abu Dhabi Fund for Development provides loan for dam project in Lesotho

Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has provided a financial assistance of AED77.13m ($21m) for a dam project in Lesotho.

An agreement was signed between ADFD and the Lesotho government for the development of the under-construction Metolong Dam project on the South Phutiatsama River, which is being built to provide clean water, food security, increase agriculture and bring economic stability to the region.

The Metolong Dam has a capacity of 53 million cubic metres of water in its reservoir, and is expected to meet the water demands of the region until 2025.

Lesotho Mats’epo Ramakoae deputy finance minister and Abu Dhabi Fund for Development director general Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi was quoted by Emirates News Agency WAM as saying that the country is trying to improve the life quality of the locals by developing water sector in the region.

"The project will provide an additional 71,000m³ per day of drinking water to the capital city of Maseru and neighbouring towns," Al Suwaidi added.

"It will also reinforce food security and expand irrigated lands to boost the country’s agricultural production."

The project work for the dam will also involve setting up of water purification and storage facilities, installing four stations to pump water to four cities, laying 89km of water pipelines, apart from other electro-mechanical works.

ADFD is a national entity that provides concessionary loans and administering grants to developing countries on behalf of the respective government.

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Image: Lesotho government will use ADFD loan for Metolong Dam to provide water for the locals. Photo: Che.