Govt, UN partner to optimise service delivery

MOSA MAOENG
MASERU — Improved governance for optimised public service delivery in Lesotho is at the heart of an initiative co-designed by the Government of Lesotho and the United Nations (UN) under the Cooperation Framework (CF).
This ambitious framework, aimed at addressing key impediments to effective governance, is structured into Outcome Results Groups (ORGs), each tasked with ensuring maximum impact across various sectors.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) describes this initiative as a crucial step towards enhancing public service delivery for all Basotho.
It is designed to complement and strengthen the government’s efforts, with the ultimate goal of making governance more effective and inclusive.
These ORGs cover critical areas such as equitable food systems, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and economic empowerment.
However, UN Resident Coordinator, Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, expressed concern during a Joint Steering Committee meeting earlier this week about delays in presenting the Joint Work Plans for endorsement.
She emphasised the importance of sticking to timelines and proposed the development of two-year work plans to ensure the initiative’s momentum is maintained.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to all government ministries, UN agencies, and civil society organisations for their contributions to the 2024 Joint Work Plans,” Mukwashi said.
“The collaborative spirit we have seen, especially with input from non-resident agencies, must continue as we move forward.” Mukwashi also highlighted the financial aspects of the initiative, revealing an estimated overall budget of US$332 111 495 (about M6 047 990 612) for implementing the CF from 2024 to 2028.
For 2024 alone, the Joint Work Plans require a total budget of US$18 570 415 (about M338 180 693), with available funds standing at US$12 855 150 (M234 101 582). This leaves a significant budget gap of US$5 715 080 (M104 075 741), underscoring the urgent need for intensified resource mobilisation efforts.
The Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr. Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane, reiterated the critical role of the Aid Coordination Forum (ACF) as a consultative mechanism between the Government of Lesotho and its development partners.
She outlined the ACF’s objectives, including streamlining dialogue through high-level and technical forums, ensuring alignment of development partner support with Lesotho’s National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP), and improving coherence and synergy among various projects and programmes.
“These objectives are indispensable for the successful implementation of the Lesotho Partnership Policy, which guides our collaboration with development partners,” Matlanyane said.
She also drew attention to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), which was launched in July last year.
Matlanyane said the UNSDCF is built on three key pillars essential for Lesotho’s sustainable development: good governance and social equity; equitable food systems and environmental sustainability; and, people’s well-being and economic development.
“The first pillar of good governance and social equity aims at strengthening our governance systems, promoting accountability, and ensuring that the benefits of development reach all segments of our society, especially the most vulnerable. We recognise that inclusive governance is crucial for fostering trust, social cohesion, and sustainable development.
“The second pillar of equitable food systems, environmental sustainability, and climate action highlights our commitment to sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and climate resilience.
“The aim is to promote sustainable food production, protect our natural resources, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The pillar of people’s well-being and economic development emphasises the importance of investing in our human capital, improving healthcare services, and creating economic opportunities for all,” Matlanyane said.
She commended the UN’s collaborative approach in implementing the CF, engaging with lead ministries and UN agency heads to oversee the work of the ORGs. She urged agencies to abandon the silo approach and intensify collaboration, stressing that working together would enable them to achieve more significant and faster results for the Basotho.