Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698057866511.pdf (Lesotho)
KINGDOM OF LESOTHO ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT Daily Hansard (Official Report) NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FIRST SESSION Friday FIRST MEETING 09th December, 2022 (Unrevised) NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CHAMBER Friday, 09th December, 2022 [The House assembled at 09:00 a.m.] [HON.
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair] PRAYER [The Chaplain led the House in Prayer] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR Bahlomphehi Litho tse Khabane, kajeno re tulong e kopanetsoeng ea Paramente joalokaha ho ile ha e ba le tlhaloso maobane hore ho tla ba le polelo e bohlokoa kajeno molemong oa tulo ena.

Kahona, le ntumelle ke mpe ke amohele ka tsela e khethehileng the President of the Senate le Vice President of the Senate hammoho le Bahlomphehi Litho tsa Senate ba leng teng le ba e-s’o fihle ka Ntlong ka mona.
Ke boele ke le hlokomelise Bahlomphehi hore ho bile le ketelo ea European Union Observer Mission Ntlong ea the Right Honourable Speaker of Parliament, ’me teng ho bile le tokomane e bohlokoa haholo molemong oa Ntlo ena eo Litho li tlang ho e fumana ha tulo e ntse e tsoelapele, kapa ke re letsatsing lena la kajeno.

Next item, Mr.

Clerk!

ORAL ANSWERS TO URGENT QUESTIONS HON.

REV.

DR. T. LIPHOLO (PR): Point of Order!

HON.

MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Point of Order by Honourable Rev.

Dr. Lipholo.

HON.

REV.


DR. T. LIPHOLO: Kea leboha, Mohlomphehi, ke ile ka be ke se ke matha ka pel’a hau, ke kopa tšoarelo, Mohlomphehi.

Kea leboha, taba eaka ke ho etsa follow-up tabeng ea motion oo ke ileng ka u lahlela ka mona oa ho khutla ha naha e sa il’o tsekoa empa e ahlotsoeng, ’me e na le Melao le Melaoana ea United HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 1 Nations.

Joale, ha ke bone motion ona ho Order Paper, ’me e se e le beke ea boraro joalo motion ona o sa kene.
Ha ke tsebe hore na joale ho etsahala’ng hobane Ntate Speaker o mpolelletse hore o o entse approve, ’me ha ke o bone, e le hore joale ke tl’o u teka ka har’a Ntlo ena ebile e le ho rata ha Basotho hoo ba ho bonahalitseng ho Plenary 2 ea li-reform le Molaong oa Motheo.

Ke batla ho tseba hore na motion ona oa ka o kae?

HON.

MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Ho joalo, Mohlomphehi.


Ke utloa taba ea hau, ’me ke ananela hore ehlile ke taba e tekiloeng eo u e fetisitseng, eo u e etselitseng kopo le hore ka tsela e tśoanang joalokaha u bua e se e fetile matsohong a the Right Honourable Speaker.
E ile ea nka nakoana matsohong a hae empa ka nepo joalokaha u cho e satsoa feta e le hona e eang tafoleng ea Business Committee, ’me eona ke na le tšepo e tiileng hore joale e ntse e etsa litlhophiso tse nepahetseng hore taba eo u tl’o e bona ka mona.

Ke kopa u se ke ua khathala matla, Mohlomphehi, e tla fihla.

56.

AID FOR DISASTER STRICKEN VILLAGE.

HON.
HON.

T. LEKITLA (Mekaling): Asked the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office; If he is aware that on the 2nd of December, 2022 at the village of Ha – Bereng Matsoho, Maphutsaneng, Ha Morena Lebuajoang Letsie in Mekaling Constituency, disaster struck in the form of strong winds and rains which destroyed 21 homes leaving the community in dire need of assistance as theyhave lost their homes and valuable possessions; and if the Minister is aware, can he say how soon assistance will be given and in what form.
HON.

E. C. MDLOKOVANA (Mohale’s Hoek): Point of Order, Madam Deputy Speaker!

HON.

DEPUTY SPEAKER: Your Point of Order, Honourable Member for Mohale’s Hoek.

HON.

E. C. MDLOKOVANA: Mohlomphehi Motlatsi oa Motsamaisi oa Lipuisano, ke tabeng ena ea Setho se Khabane sa Mekaling.

Ke nahana hore Mohlomphehi o ne a tšoanela ebe ha a e tlisa ka mona kapa lehaeba a ne a e tlisitse pele ebe o e khutlisitse.
Ke leka ho hlalosa ka mokhoa ona, haele ka Labobeli ke ile ka ba Mekaling ke tsamaile le Letona Ofising ea Tona-Kholo… HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 2 HON.

DEPUTY MADAM SPEAKER: Hon.

Member for Mohale’s Hoek, ke utloa eka kea utloa na taba ea hau e lebisa kae [Lerata].

Order!

Order!
Order!

Order!

Ha re le mothating ona oo Mohlomphehi Letona le Khabane a seng a ikemisetsa ho araba, ke na le pelaelo ea hore ehlile o tla kena litabeng tseo u neng u batla ho li hapella, empa joale ke eena ea loketseng ho nka sefolo hona joale, Mohlomphehi.

Tsoelapele, Honourable Minister.

HON.

L. MPOTJOANE (Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations): Kea leboha, Mohlomphehi Motlatsi oa Motsamaisi oa Lipuisano.
Letona Ofising ea Mohlomphehi Tona-Kholo le ile la fumana tlaleho ka koluoa eena ea Labohlano la la 02 Tsitoe, 2022, ea leholiotsoana le bileng Ha Bereng Matsoho, Maphutsaneng, ha Morena Lebuajoang Letsie, Lebatooeng la Mekaling, hoseng ha Moqebelo oa la 03 Tsitsoe.

Taba ena e ile ea tla ho eena moo ka Letona la Bosebeletsi ba Sechaba.
Hang-hang, Mohlomphehi Letona Ofising ea Tona-Kholo o ile a laela bahlanka ba litšebeletso tsa likoluoa Seterekeng sa Mohale’s Hoek ho ea hlahloba tšenyo e bileng teng le hore na se hlokahalang sefe ho thusetsa.

Mohlomphehi, mantsiboea a Moqebelo ona oa la 03 Tsitoe horeng tsa leshome bosiu, Mookameli oa Disaster Management Authority (DMA) o ile a fa Mohlomphehi Letona, tlaleho ea matlo a amehileng a mashome a mabeli a metso e ’meli (22).
Ka Sontaha sa la 04 Tsitoe, Letona ’moho le eona DMA ba ile ba qalella ho bokelletsa tse hlokahalang e leng litene tse koahelang matlo le lijo kaha lijo malapeng a amehileng li ne li kolobile.

Ha letsatsi la la Mantaha oa la 05 Tsitoe le likela, DMA e tlatsane le World Vision li ne li bokellelitse lijo, litente tse eang malapeng ao.
Ka khokahanyo oa ’Musi oa Setereke hona moo Mohale’s Hoek le DMA Mohales’ Hoek, tsena tsohle li ile tsa fanoa ho malapa ao a amehileng ka la 06 Tsitoe moo Maphutsaneng, ke Letona Ofising ea Mohlomphehi Tona-Kholo, boteng ba Letona la Bosebeletsi ba Sechaba, DA oa Mohales’ Hoek, Marena esita le ba Puso ea Libaka.
Mohlomphehi, potso ena e mpa e makalitse feela ka ha ’Musi oa Setereke DA a tlalehile ha Setho se Khabane sa Mekaling se tsebile ka tšebetso ena ea phano hobane e mong oa ma-counsellor a ile a bua a re o eme lebitsong la Setho se Khabane sa Mekaling.

Mohlomphehi hona sona se itse se tšoeroe ke mosebetsi oa likomiti Paramenteng.
HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 3 Letona Ofising ea Mohlomphehi Tona-Kholo le laetse ba DMA moo Mohale’s Hoek, DA, le ba Lefapha la Buildings ho etsa khakanyo (assessment) ea tšenyo pele ho labohlano lona lena leo re leng ho lona ’me e fihle ofising ea hae e le ho sheba se ka etsoang ho busetsa matlo ao boemong bo lokelang hore ho ka phela batho ka har’a bona.

Kea leboha, Mohlomphehi.

HON.

MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Ntlha ea tsamaiso, Setho se Khabane sa Mekaling.

HON.
HON.

T. LEKITLA: Mohlomphehi, litaba tseo Letona le Khabane le li behang koane, e se tsa hae e le tsa Letona le ikarabellang ofising ea Tona-Kholo … HON.

MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, Mohlomphehi.

Letona le Khabane ha le bua le eme lebitsong la Letona leo ’me re nka karabo e ntse e arabeloa ke Letona le Khabane le nepahetseng.

U ka tsoelapele, Mohlomphehi.

HON.

T. LEKITLA: Kea leboha, Mohlomphehi.


Litaba tsa ka, Mohlomphehi, ke hore litaba tseo Letona le Khabane li le behang ka har’a Ntlo ena e Khabane ke hore li na le ’nete le mafosisa ka hare, feela … ha se tsa Letona le Khabane etsoe ha se moo taba e leng hona teng.

Mohlomphehi, ho ea hlokahala hore ke toboketse hore moo likoluoa li leng teng ha ntho e ntle e etsahetse, e tla ba ntle ho sa tsotellehe hore na e entsoe ke mang.

Ho fana… HON.
Ho fana… HON.

MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Ha ke e-s’o utloe point of order ea Setho se Khabane sa Mekaling hantle.

HON.

T. MARETLANE (Thaba-Phatšoa): Kea leboha, Mohlomphehi Motlatsi oa Motsamaisi oa Lipuisano.

Ehlile ha Letona le Khabane le le sieo le ka arabelloa ho nepahetse hore ebe ho tla araba e mong oa rona eo e leng Letona ho araba litaba tseo tsa lona ha le bile le buisane le Letona le Khabane le joalo.

Ke botsa Setho se Khabane hore na ha se taba ea ’Muso eno na?

[Liatla].

HON.
[Liatla].

HON.

MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Mohlomphehi, u eme ka point of order, eo Setulo se neng se se se fetisitse taba ho eona joale ebile ha u qetella ekare u etsa potso, ’me joale e tlaba hore na u ne u etsetsa Setulo potso na?

Empa ke bona eka HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 4 the question has been responded to therefore we proceed.

Your point of order, Honourable Member for Mekaling.

HON.

T. LEKITLA: Ntlha ea tsamaiso eo ke emang ka eona ke hore ke ne ke e- s’o qete ho araba.
Ntlha ea bobeli, ke ne ke lokisa Letona le Khabane hore ho statement seo le neng le se etsa hore ha ke e-s’o ka ke … HON.

MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!

Mohlomphehi.


Ke utloa hantle ’me ke hlokometse tsela eo litaba li tsamaileng ka eona empa joale re se re fetile karolo eo hobane u ile ua ema ka point of order, uaba ua lula fatše nakong eo ke bontšang hore ha ke utloe hantle point of order, joale ho kena potso ea Setho se Khabane se hlahlamang, eleng hore kahona taba eo on a matter of procedure kaha ke se ke behile hore potso e arajetsoe, re lokela ho nka potso e arajetsoe, Mohlomphehi.

57.
57.

HEALTH HAZARD AT MOTEBANG HOSPITAL.

HON.
M. MPOBOLE (PR): Asked the Minister of Health; If he is aware that at Motebang Government Hospital in Leribe there is medical and pathological (body parts) waste which is heaped near the medical waste incinerator housing in a manner which potentially puts at risk the lives of all hospital workers as well as patients and the general public; and in addition it poses a threat to valuable property including the oxygen plant, the electric transformer and all the buildings in the compound; and if the Minister is aware, can he say how soon a larger incinerator will be availed for the disposal of medical and pathological waste.
HON.

S. MOTSAMAI (Senator): Point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker!

HON.

MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Motsamai.

Point of Order, Honourable Senator HON.

S. MOTSAMAI: Kea leboha, Mohlomphehi.

Re ne re tlile koano ho itsoe it is a joint sitting … HON.

M. MOFOMOBE (PR): No!

No!

No!

No!

H’a na tokelo ea ho bua ka mona, o chakile.

Point of order!

HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 5 HON.

MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Point of Order on a point of order, Honourable Mofomobe.

HON.
HON.

M. MOFOMOBE: Mohlomphehi Motlatsi oa Motsamaisi oa Lipuisano, h’a na tokelo ea bua ka mona.. HON.

MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Mohlomphehi, your point of order is taken, you may proceed.

HON.

M. MOFOMOBE: Ke ne ke e-so bue le ho bua, Mohlomphehi Motlatsi oa Motsamaisi oa Lipuisano.

Ke ne ke re ntja ha e tšetse molatsoana ke boraki.

HON.

MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Mohlomphehi, ke se ke amohetse your point order.
Your point of order is very much taken, Mohlomphehi Mofomobe, ha ke tl’o lumella le debate holim’a eona.

Kahona ke kopa hore re tsoeleng pele.

Honourable Minister of Health.

HON.

S. MOCHOBOROANE (Minister of Health): Mohlomphehi Motlatsi oa Motsamaisi oa Lipuisano, Lekala la Bophelo le hlokometse hore ho na le pokello ea lithoele tse kotsi (medical waste) Sepetleleng sa Motebang Leribe.

Pokello ena e bakiloe ke tlhokahalo ea diesel e chesang.
Tšebeletso e joalo e ne e ntse e fanoa ke Lesotho Millennium Development Authority (LMDA) ’me ea emisa ka lebaka la khahello ea lichelete.

Lekala le mothating oa ho batla diesel e il’o ches lithole tseo kapele ka mokhoa oo ho ka khonehang.

Ka nako ea libeke tse peli (2) lithole li tlabe li chesuoe.

Ntlheng ea khaho ea incinerator e ’ngoe, incinerator e Metebang e ntse e le boholo bo lekaneng ho ka chesa medical waste e hlahang setsing seo.
Ho fihlela ha hajoale, ha ho na tlhokahalo ea ho aha incinerator e ’ngoe.

HON.

MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Potso e nyanyeletsang, Honourable Mpobole.

HON.

M. MPOBOLE: Kea leboha, Mohlomphehi ka karabelo ea Letona le Khabane la Bophelo.

Potso ea ka e nyanyeletsang ke ena, ke sebelitse Sepetleleng sa Motebang.

Taba eo Letona le Khabane le e bolelang ea capacity ea incinerator e teng sebakeng seo ha se eona.
HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 6 Ke kopa ke boele ke tsoele pele ke re incinerator eno e boetse e na le bothata bah ore ha e sebetse hantle, Mohlomphehi, e leng hore medical waste oo o moo o entse pile joalo nako e telele joalo, e bileng nka bolelang ka phatla e phahameng hore ke ho tloha ka selemo sa September 2021 esale o ntse e bokelletsana joalo.

Ka hona medical waste ono o ka tlosoa mono hang hang ka libeke tse peli ha se ’nete hobane incinerator e beheloa lihora tseo e sebetsoang ka eona.
E leng hore taba eno ha se ’nete ke kopa karabelo e ’ngoe hape.

Kea leboha.

[liatla].

HON.

S. MOCHOBOROANE: Mohlomphehi Motlatsi oa Motsamaisi oa Lipuisano, ke ne ke re ha ke utloe e ka e ka re ho na le potso e nyanyeletsang, hoo ke ho utloang ke hore ke fumane motlatsi oa letona hobane oa ntlatsetsa ’me ke nka botlatsetsi bono bah ae [Liatla].

HON.

MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Potso e nyanyeletsang, Honourable Letsaba.

HON.
HON.

H. LETŠABA (PR): Mohlomphehi Motlatsi oa Motsamaisi oa Lipuisano, potso ea ka e nyanyeletsang ke hore na lebaka le etsang hore ha e le moo Mohlomphehi Letona le Khabane la Bophelo le sele fumane hore ho na le boemo bo hlobaetseng sepetlele, bo kotsi hakaalo kaalo, joale ebe le re ho reka diesel na ke hona ho ka nkang beke tse peli hore bohlasoa boo bo lokisoe na?

HON.

S. MOCHOBOROANE: Kea leboha, Mohlomphehi.


Litho tse Khabane li tla hopola hore maobane har’a Litšoantšo tsa Melao tseo re neng re li tsosa, e meng e ne e le Setšoantšo sa Molao seo joale se tlisang pheletsong ka molao LMDA.

Nakong ena eo LMDA re fihlang mona moo re qetellang re tlisa Setšoantšo sa Molao ka Paramenteng.

O mong oa melao eo re neng re e tsosa e ne e le molao o tlisang pheletsong ka molao LMDA.
Nakong eo LMDA e fihlang moo e tlisang molao ka Paramenteng ka mona ehlile ho ne ho se ho na le qholotso tse kholo bosebeletsing.

Lithole le litšebeletso tse ling lipetleleng le clinics tse neng li le tlas’a Millenium Challenge Account (MCA), li ne li etsoa ke LMDA ka ho otloloha.

Nakong eo ho seng ho bonahala bothata nakong ea transition eaba ho se ho lokela hore ho potlakoe kapele ke Lekala la Bophelo ho ntšetsa tšebetso eno pele e se e le Lekala la Bophelo.
Ke ka hona karabo e ba hore ho eo sebetsoana le hore ho fumanehe diesel e le lithole tse ngata tseno li sebetsoe.

HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 7 HON.

M. MPOBOLE: Ke kopa ho botsa Mohlomphehi Letona le Khabane hore na taba ea incinerator mono moo e lutseng teng moo eleng hore e haufi le transformer ea motlakase, e haufi le oxygen plant, joale ke kopa ho utloa hore Letona le Khabane la Bophelo le bona ho ntse ho nepahetse hore ebe incinerator e ntse e lutse sebakeng se joalo na?
Mohlomphehi Motlatsi oa Motsamaisi oa Lipuisano, ke boele ke tsoepele hape ke re [Litšeho].

Mohlomphehi Letona le Khabane, hona moo sebakeng seo, re bua ka maphelo a batho eleng bakuli ‘moho le basebetsi ba sepetlele hore na ho bolokehile hore hona joale waste e mono e tsoang liboko ebileng e nang le likarolo tsa ‘mele ea batho ebe re bua ka nako ea libeke tse peli na.

Na ha ho hlokahale hore e sebetsoe with immediate effect?

HON.
HON.

S. MOCHOBOROANE: Kea leboha, Mohlomphehi Motlatsi oa Motsamaisi oa Lipuisano.

Ka ‘nete le ha Setho se Khabane potso ena ea sona e nyenyeletsang ho tloha ka potso ea pele ke utloa hore ka ‘ nete se tšoere lipotso tsa bohlokoa.

Joale ke bona se botsa ka pelo haholo ho feta ka kelello, ke lakatsa hore mohlomong nke ke mo fe monyetla oa hore …hobane se bua litaba tse bohlokoa tse amang bophelo ba sechaba.
Ke se fe monyetla oa hore se se thatafalloe hore re ke re fihle re lule fatše le sona se ke se re, Mohlomphehi, ke sebelitse mono ke bona lintho tse itseng.

Na joale re ke ke ra lokisa taba ee tjee.

Ke Setho se Khabane se mpe se tsebe hore ke butse lemati.

Ho tloha mona moo re sebetsang le uena le mane moo ke sebeletsang sechaba teng, ho ke ho u nolofalle.

Ha ke mametse ke ea utloa hore genuily speaking, ho na le litaba tsa bohlokoa tseo re ka tsebang hore re li arolelane.
Hantle re bua ka bophelo ba sechaba.

Kea leboha [Liatla].

PROCEEDINGS ON SUBSTATIVE MOTIONS AND BILLS MOTION 6.

MID-TERM BUDGT REVIEW HON.

DR. R. MATLANYANE (Minister of Finance and Development Planning): Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker: I rise to move; HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 8 this Honourable House gives general approval to the fiscal That performance and in-year budget adjustment proposals contained in the Mid- Term Budget/Expenditure Review for the year 2022/2023.
Madam Deputy Speaker, Allow Me to Pay My Respects to: His Majesty King Letsie III and Head of State The Right Honourable the Prime Minister and Head of Government The Honourable President of The Senate The Chief Justice and Judges of The High Court The Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of The House My Colleagues, Honourable Ministers of His Majesty’s Government Honourable Members of Both Houses of Parliament Their Excellencies, Heads of Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations here Present Distinguished Members of The Media The Entire Basotho Nation in Lesotho and Abroad Ladies and Gentlemen Madam Deputy Speaker, 1.
I am grateful for the opportunity bestowed upon me to deliver my maiden Mid Term Budget Review (MTBR) statement for 2022/23 fiscal year.

2.

The MTBR is one of the important tools that fosters accountability in public financial management.

HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 9 3.

It is a framework for reporting and providing feedback to this Honorable House and to the nation on the utilization of fund that were allocated to the Administration.

4.
4.

It articulates the mid-year performance of the economy and the budget as well as adjustments that were made in response to emerging challenges.

5.

It also underscores adjustments to the proposed revenue and spending estimates for the remaining part of the year, while also providing an update on how the Government perceives the present economic conditions.

6.
6.

In this instance, it also presents what the new Government led by the Right Honourable the Prime Minister Ntate Ntsokoane Matekane plans to deliver for the remaining part of the year.

Madam Deputy Speaker, 7.

Let me begin by reflecting on the objectives for the budget that I am reviewing today.

8.

But before I do that, I must mention that the 2022/23 budget was prepared against a challenging economic and fiscal situation.

The economy has suffered several shocks.


Whilst recovering from COVID 19, we received heavy rains that affected agricultural output and destroyed key infrastructure.

All these were compounded by the effects of Russia - Ukraine conflict which were felt through high prices of food and fuel in particular.

HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 10 9.


The intention nevertheless was to continue to implement the National Strategic Development Plan II and take major strides:  To recover and steer the economy to be private sector-led and build resilience.

Fiscal consolidation was the bedrock of attaining macro fiscal stability.
 Rebuild infrastructure that was damaged by heavy rains  Identifying and filling critical skills gaps within the health sector to facilitate a resilient and responsive Health system, and  Enhance productive capacity of the key sectors.

 Consolidate efforts for good governance through the national reform programme as an anchor for peace, stability and justice for all 10.
I must mention from the onset that the implementation of several programmes had to be restrained for reasons that will become apparent later in my speech.

MACROECONOMIC TRENDS AND OUTLOOK – CURRENT SITUATION Madam Deputy Speaker, 11.

In its latest World Economic Outlook, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts global growth to slow from 6 percent in 2021 to 3.2 percent in 2022.

It is projected that growth will slow down further to 2.7 percent in 2023.
The downward revision and HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 11 risks to the growth outlook emanate from the protracted conflict in Ukraine, escalation of sanctions on Russian Federation, the possibility of more lockdowns as part of the strict zero COVID-19 strategy in China, as well as uncertainties related to the emergence and spread of new strains of the virus.

13.
13.

Subsequently, world trade growth, which accelerated by 10.1 percent in 2021, is also expected to decelerate to 4.3 percent and 2.5 percent in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

14.

The IMF also projects this year’s global inflation to remain high because of high energy and food prices.

15.

The forecast global inflation to rise from 4.7 percent in 2021 to 8.8 percent in 2022 before declining to 6.5 percent in 2023 and to 4.1 percent by 2024.

16.
16.

Although inflation is affecting most economies across the world, its most severe impact is on low income developing economies.

17.

In these economies, a larger part of household consumption expenditure is on food commodities.

This means that inflation creates a cost-of-living crisis in these economies.

18.
18.

Closer to home, in November 2022 the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Monetary Policy Committee revised its projections of the South Africa’s food price inflation for 2022 to 8.8 percent from 14 percent.

Similarly, the SARB’s projection for food price inflation for 2023 was revised higher to 6.2 percent from 5.5 percent but was left unchanged at 4.2 percent in 2024.

HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 12 STATE OF DOMESTIC ECONOMY AND GROWTH PROSPECTS FOR 2023/24 -2024/25 Madam Deputy Speaker, 19.
After experiencing significant supply and demand shocks caused by the pandemic in 2020, economic activity improved in 2021/22 with GDP growth recovering to 1.8 percent, mainly supported by a turnaround in private sector spending following less restrictions, better adjustments to the new norm, improved compliance and adaptation to the standard operating procedures/protocols and rapid vaccination progress.

20.
20.

The economy continued to recover in the first quarter of 2022 and expanded by 1.5 percent, supported by strong growth of 53.1 percent in mining and quarrying sector as well as the construction sector, which expanded by 17.3 percent.

21.

However, growth slowed in the second quarter of 2022 to 0.1 percent.

The slowdown in second quarter was driven by weak performance in manufacturing sector which contracted by 17.7 percent and led to the closure of manufacturing firms such as CGM and C&Y.
Madam Deputy Speaker, 22.

The high integration of Lesotho's economy with South Africa implies increased exposure to external shocks.

As a result, domestic HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 13 economic recovery in the remaining half of 2022/23 hinges on economic developments in South Africa and the global economic developments which affect it directly.

23.
23.

Prolonged conflict in Ukraine has caused economic pressures on multiple fronts, most notably an increase in global inflation as commodity prices continue to rise.

24.

Also, the risk of tighter global financial conditions, labour shortages and rising cost of living may pose a challenge to the South African economic recovery efforts and consequently adversely affect Lesotho’s recovery path.

25.
25.

Domestic growth is projected to average 2.3 percent by the end of 2022/23 and expand further to 2.7 percent in 2023/24 before averaging 4.0 percent between 2024/25 and 2025/26.

The positive outlook is expected to be supported by continued activities of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) II dam construction together with sizable investments in climate smart agriculture by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) II and Smallholder Agriculture Development Project (SADP) II.

26.
26.

In September 2022, the key sources of domestic inflationary pressures came from elevated food and fuel prices.

During this period, food and fuel inflation registered 10.2 percent and 14.5 percent respectively.

27.

Annual headline inflation accelerated to 9.2 percent in September from 5.4 percent observed in the same month of 2021.

As a consequence, these price developments have broadly increased the cost of living for most households.
HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 14 Madam Deputy Speaker, 28.

The Central Bank of Lesotho’s response in curbing inflation has efforts has been through monetary tightening as seen by the increase in the CBL Rate from 5.5 percent to 6.25 percent per annum.

29.

The Bank has also revised upwards the current Net International Reserve floor from USD720 million to USD730 million in order to maintain the one to-one exchange rate peg between Loti and the South African Rand.

30.
30.

Over the medium term, price developments in Lesotho will continue to mimic those in South Africa.

31.

The Government will continue to monitor the various risks and effectively manage external shocks that may affect the wellbeing of Basotho and their businesses.

32.
The Government’s medium-term priority is to implement economic reforms by, among others, increasing inclusive and sustainable economic growth and through enhance private sector participation in production and job creation; strengthening human capital development as well as enhancing transparency and accountability of public institutions; promoting regional collaboration to ensure resilient infrastructure development and renewable energy generation and accelerating and implementing the necessary reforms to buttress stability.
HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 15 33.

Through these and other measures the government will further improve policy certainty and investors’ confidence, thus strengthening the resilience of the economy and indeed making Lesotho an attractive investment destination.

FISCAL OPERATIONS Madam Deputy Speaker, 34.


The 2021/22 budget was drawn with a projected fiscal deficit of 13.1 percent of GDP in the wake of poor SACU revenue shares coupled with spending which increased alongside better SACU revenue in previous year.

35.

However, the end of year outcome turned out better than expected.

Overall fiscal deficit was recorded at M1.6 billion, an equivalent of 4.3 percent of GDP.

36.
36.

Although SACU revenue for 2021/22 was lower by M2.9 billion relative to 2020/21, various measures that were deployed to restrain spending served well to mute fast-growing expenses.

37.

The 2022/23 budget had projected a deficit of 7.7 percent of GDP (M3.3 billion) at the back of projected 14.3 percent increase in recruitment spending relative to 2021/22.
However, despite reduced SACU revenue shares which dwindled by M608.5 million against M6.01 billion received in 2021/22, the overall fiscal operations are expected to remain muted at 4.3 percent of GDP (M1.7 billion).

HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 16 38.

The government wage bill is projected to decrease by M1.2 billion against the budget estimate of M7.9 billion.

Also, M20.6 million will be saved in use of goods and services while debt service will remain the same as budget at M765.7 million.

39.
39.

It is expected that by the end of the 2022/23 fiscal year, tax revenue will be short of its budget target by M531.26 million.

40.

The expected shortfall in the tax revenue is a result of poor performance of income tax collection compounded with the failure of the 10th Parliament to enact proposed Tax Revenue Bills.

41.

The shortfall is expected to be M318.7 million compared with budget estimates.
Out of the projected M586.4 million of alcohol and tobacco levy, nil amount will be collected after the levy failed to take effect.

RISKS TO THE ECONOMIC AND FISCAL OUTLOOK Madam Deputy Speaker, 42.

The medium-term growth outlook remains resilient but dependent on fiscal saving, structural reforms, donor support, and external developments.

Growth is heavily dependent on investments from LHWP-II construction.

43.
43.

Constant growth over the medium and long term will have to hinge on strong private sector development and successful execution of structural reforms to improve governance.

44.

Growing domestic payment arrears can cause increased costs to HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 17 government: government suppliers may adjust prices to compensate for late payments or delayed supply of inputs which may affect service delivery.

45.
45.

A large volume of arrears may indicate several different problems, such as inadequate commitment controls, cash rationing, inadequate budgeting for contracts, under-budgeting of specific items, and lack of information.

46.

Managing fiscal revenue volatility is a serious policy challenge for Lesotho.

Over the past decade, Lesotho has faced significant revenue volatility, largely owing to highly unstable SACU receipts.

47.
47.

A reduction in receipts typically leads to a fiscal adjustment and contraction in domestic absorption, weakening short-term economic growth, worsening fiscal and external balances while increasing government debt, and lowering international reserves.

48.

SACU revenue for 2023/24 is projected at M10.1 billion against before recovering to M12 billion in 2024/25.

It is the intention of the current government to end an era of procyclical fiscal policy and counter the cycles going forward.
There is no other opportune time than now.

Madam Deputy Speaker, 49.

During the 2008-09 financial crisis, SACU earnings fell significantly, and Lesotho faced significant balance of payment needs and called for IMF financial assistance under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF).
This experience highlights the importance of HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 18 securing fiscal and external buffers - accumulation of international reserves or other type of precautionary savings-, to help ensure fiscal sustainability, reduce the prospects of boom-bust cycles and support sustainable growth.

2022/23 APPROVED BUDGET ESTIMATES Madam Deputy Speaker, 50.
As I indicated earlier, total revenue was estimated at M19.7 billion, made up of tax revenue of M9.5 billion, grants of M2.3 billion, non-tax revenue of M2.6 billion and SACU revenue at M5.4 billion.

51.

Based on the set policies, the proposed total expenditure estimates for 2022/23 was M24.8 billion of which M18.1 billion was for recurrent spending which included statutory expenditure and administration account, while capital expenditure was estimated at M6.8 billion.

52.
52.

Out of the said amount, the Government contributed M1.8 billion, Donor loans M2.8 billion and Donor grants M2.1 billion.

This was expected to translate into an overall fiscal deficit of 7.7 percent of GDP.

Madam Deputy Speaker, HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 19 53.

Total disbursed outstanding debt as of October 2022 was M22.2 billion, an increase of M3.3 billion in the first seven months of the year.

54.
54.

The stock was made up of domestic debt of M4.6 billion and External debt of M 17.6 billion.

The major drivers of debt were losses from local currency depreciation which contributed around 12 percent increase to total debt as well as new borrowing from domestic market with 5 percent contribution.

Debt service for 2022/23 fiscal year was budgeted at M2, 516 million of which M1.5 billion, 61.6 percent of funds have been allocated.
Total debt service thus far amounted to M1.2 billion, comprising of principal payments of M945.3 million and interest payments of M195.2 million.

55.

Domestic debt stock of M4.6 billion includes short term debt (T- bills) of M1.1 billion which is 23.6 percent of domestic debt and long-term securities of M3.5 billion.

56.

Domestic debt service as at end of October was M545.8 million, made up of principal redemptions of M500.3 million and interest payments of M45.5 million.
Principal payments included retired T- bills at M75 million and M425.3 million towards bonds.

57.

External debt was serviced by M594.6 million, broken into principal payments of M445 million and interest payments of M149.7 million.
If massive exchange rates depreciations experienced earlier in the year do not persist throughout the remainder of the year, the existing budget is expected to cover all HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 20 external and domestic obligations without a need for additional budget.

58.

The domestic financing strategy of 2022/23 fiscal year entailed acquiring M1,500 million from the market in the form of T-Bonds and T-Bills.
The auction of Treasury Bonds was planned to raise M1.0 billion while Treasury Bills are expected to raise M500 million.

59.

In June, the Government experienced liquidity crisis and approved acquisition of additional T-Bills worth M540 million.

The total amount of T-bills raised in first half of the year was M728.8 million to bring total short-term debt stock to M1.1 billion.

60.

After three (3) bond auctions, M652.8 million has been raised, a short fall of M97.2 million from a planned M750 million.
The remaining auction of the financial year is scheduled for February 2023, and it is expected to raise M250 million.

THE MIDTERM BUDGET EXECUTION Madam Deputy Speaker, 61.

In the midterm, the actual revenue collection recorded at 6.9 billion representing a 35 percent collection of the estimated projections.

This is a promising performance when viewed against the backdrop of the economic hardships occasioned by the COVID- 19 pandemic.

HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 21 62.


The total expenditure execution stood at M8.5 billion which is 44 percent of the budget.

The expenditure comprises of M7.9 billion which is 45 percent of the approved recurrent budget and 616.5 million, a 35 percent of the allocated government financed capital budget.

63.

It is, however, important to note that the donor projects procurement is not recorded as it happens outside the government systems.

64.
64.

During presentation of this year’s budget, policies were put forward for a major fiscal consolidation.

These interventions consisted of revenue enhancement and expenditure containment measures which were intended to create fiscal space for future investments financing, while ensuring sufficient foreign reserve buffer to build resilience, innovation and setting the economy on a high and sustainable growth.
In this regard, Government will continue its effort to curb nonproductive expenditure in order to preserve fiscal space, while mobilizing domestic revenues.

THE IN-YEAR ADJUSTMENTS Madam Deputy Speaker, 65.

As indicated above, the 2022/23 budget was prepared in the period when the government is facing a continuous fiscal challenge due to decreases in revenue collections which led to budget revisions and adjustments in the middle of the year.

HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 22 66.


The budget adjustments of M516 million from Contingencies Fund, Treasury Bills and Bonds were allocated to the following ministries;  Water was allocated M85.8 million comprising M53.8 million to finance water connections to households under Metolong Dam Water Supply Programme at Thaba-Bosiu area which include Thaba-Bosiu, Ha Makhalanyane, Ha Mathokoane, Ha Rantsane, Meikaeleng and Ha Senekane.
Further M32 million was allotted towards refurbishment of Muela Hydro Power Station Unit 1 turbine.

 Public Works was given M73.0 million for outstanding payments towards Mpiti-Sehlaba-Thebe Road.

 Pensions and Gratuities was allocated M9.0 million to cater for 5 percent adjustments for Civil Pensioners.

 Defence received M26.4 million to cover the troops' requirements towards SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) and payment of Non-Life Insurance premium shortage.
 Judiciary was allocated M10.2 million for recruitment of new Judges of the High Court and Tšifa-li-Mali Court to cater for their utilities, resources and re-roofing of the High Court.

 Disaster Management Authority was allocated M100 million for outstanding payments of suppliers during COVID-19 and in response to heavy rains damages.
1112  Communications Science and Technology was allocated M62.1 HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 23 million for renewal of Microsoft Ireland Operations LTD Software Licenses contract and finalization of Data Centres refurbishment.

 The Public Service was allocated M18.3 million for payment of outstanding activities for Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) Phase II under Public Sector Modernization (PSM) Project which ended in March 2022.
 Energy received M29.8 million for reduced fuel prices following government decision to subsidise petroleum products.

 Gender and Youth, Sports and Recreation was allocated M22.

7 million for outstanding part payment for the design of stadium at Leribe Sport Complex.

 Youth Apprenticeship Program received M64.8 million for engagement of 3,373 youths.

Madam Deputy Speaker, Honourable Members, 67.

Allow me to provide a brief sectoral performance of the 2022/23 budget.

INFRUSTRUCTURE 68.
INFRUSTRUCTURE 68.

Government is dedicated to improving infrastructure as it remains the backbone of our economy for efficiency and effectiveness of public sector.

HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 24 69.

M300.9 million which is 43 percent of the roads’ allocated budget was spent for on roads maintenance, upgrade, rehabilitation and construction.

To this end, Mpiti– Sehlabathebe road is at 57 percent complete while Marakabei-Monontša is at 54.5 percent.

70.
70.

Both roads are behind schedule due to the effect of the COVID- 19 pandemic consequences.

Six footbridges are under construction while the seventh one at Mokae–Mapheelle in Quthing is completed.

71.
71.

The sewerage treatment plant system has been refurbished at Moshoeshoe I International Airport, this resulted in an expenditure of M2.4 million which is 31 percent of budget allocated for the project, and the actual rehabilitation of the airport is expected to commence by end of the current financial year to meet existing and forecast demands for passenger and cargo facilities.

72.
72.

There has also been a Security Audit carried out by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to avoid suspension of airport operations.

73.

To increase security of energy supply in the country, M153.0 million was allocated for development budget and M54.3 million which is 36 percent of the allocation has been spent during this period.

74.
74.

Government has constructed Phase I of Ha Ramarothole Solar Power Generation Plant that will generate 30MW of electricity and transmission lines from Ha-Ramarothole to Ha-Mofoka are almost complete.

75.

To increase energy access and implement the Electrification Master Plan (EMP), Government has connected electricity to HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 25 households at Ha Simione, Mosalemane extension, Ha Makujoe, Mabote RCL and Ha Thaabe.
Further 128 solar streetlights covering 4 kilometers have been installed at Mapoteng.

Madam Deputy Speaker, 76.

Universal access to safe drinking water is a fundamental basic need and a human right.

To this end M135.9 million which is 46 percent of approved development budget has been spent to achieve this mandate.

77.
77.

Water supply construction works in Maseru at Ha Thebesoa and Ngope T'soeu and Leribe at Ha Moshoeshoe are all completed while Mosuoane and Matsieng projects are awaiting Lesotho Electricity Company connection and Mantsebo is finalized and awaiting Water and Sewage Company house connections.

Construction of 'Masana, Rothe and Mokhalinyane Rural Water Supply Systems are progressing very well.

78.
78.

Water supply systems in Khokhoba and Lejone were completed serving a population of approximately 4,500 people.

Hlotse- Tsikoane and Maputsoe Water Supply Projects are nearing completion.

Multiple Shocks, Narrowing Fiscal Space and Need to Promote Private Sector Led Growth Madam Deputy Speaker, HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 26 79.
Given multiple shocks characterized by the lingering effects of COVID 19, rising food and energy inflation, a slowing global economy, tightening global financial conditions and an ever- narrowing fiscal space, the government is faced with a difficult balancing act of supporting the vulnerable groups through well targeted and timebound measures while building buffers through fiscal consolidation and creating an enabling environment for long term private sector investment.

80.
80.

In this regard, concerted efforts need to be made to improve the fiscal position and maintain debt sustainability by developing and adhering to credible medium-term fiscal frameworks that support the national development strategy.

81.
81.

The medium-term fiscal plans need to entail clear and well communicated measures to expand the revenue base and to save revenue windfalls (such as volatile SACU receipts and income from commodity exports) while also employing a systematic review of expenditures for priority items that need to be preserved and non- priority items that should be cut.

82.

Essentially, it is crucial that government reduces its footprint and facilitates a smooth transition to private sector led economic growth.

83.
83.

In this respect, unlocking of constraint to private sector growth through measures that improve business climate, regulation, simplification of business registration, effecting land administration HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 27 reforms and enhancing human and other capital formation will be important.

INVESTMENT PROMOTION Madam Deputy Speaker, 84.


In an initiative to improve crop production and productivity, the subsidy increased from 60 percent to 70 percent for seeds and pesticides and 80 percent for fertilizers to farmers.

The inputs procured this far includes Maize seeds and fertilizers which were distributed to approximately to 6000 farmers.

The total amount spend on these agricultural inputs is M102 million.

85.
85.

Tsikoane Fresh Produce Market Centre has eventually been completed and subleased to Private sector.

86.

To achieve increased investment in agriculture and sustainable food and nutrition security, M23 million has been awarded to 136 farmers and 28 improved agricultural technologies made available to 724 farmers.

87.
87.

Leveling the playing field for businesses to compete freely the Competition, Consumer Protection, Trade and Tariff Administration Bills, which provides for regulation and promotion of fair competition, protection of rights, health and safety of consumers and implementation of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Agreement respectively were presented before the Parliament.

HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 28 Madam Deputy Speaker, 88.
I am honoured to announce that 16 factory shells at Ha Belo Industrial Estate are complete and fitted with requisite amenities.

However, connection of water and electricity supply are still behind schedule.

89.

Progress is ongoing at Ha Tikoe Phase 3 Industrial Estate where 7 factory shells are being constructed.

Both projects were allocated M150 million which has not been spent.

HUMAN AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Madam Deputy Speaker, 90.
On the fight against cancer, cancer treatment centers and chemotherapy clinic in Maseru have been established.

The second palliative treatment center has also been opened and health professionals and cancer specialists were trained.

All primary health facilities can now screen for cancer in the country.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine for 9-13- year-old girls was administered and attained 80 percent coverage.
SYSTEMS – EFFICIENCY IN SERVICE DELIVERY Madam Deputy Speaker, HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 29 91.
In an initiative to improve service delivery, following procurement of Integrated Human Resources Management Information System (HRMIS), the government has migrated from old system to Oracle System, and it has been integrated with other systems such as National Population Register, Central Deduction Administration System (CDAS), Old Age Pension System, Central Budget Management System (CBMS) and Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS).

92.
92.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has also adopted the virtual mode of interviews and engaged in reviewing its existing PSC rules of 1970 to respond to emerging issues and incorporate changes brought about by the reforms.

1516 Madam Deputy Speaker, 93.

In the previous fiscal year, Government reported a loss of M50 million that was lost through the Treasury Department.

94.
94.

I hereby announce that defrauded public funds amounting to M18 million of M50 million have been recovered and 15 suspects were remanded in the Courts of Law.

95.

6 Government officials involved were suspended and disciplinary hearings for four of them were completed.

Of the four, two have been dismissed and two remain in custody.

96.

Going forward, government is instituting reforms to eliminate human intervention in the processing of payments.

HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 30 97.


It is worth reporting that, government is still confronted with challenges of leakages in the collection of revenue caused by manual collection, unreconciling revenue records due to unknown transactions that cannot be captured and liquidity problems causing delays in processing payments for existing commitments and unpresented payments.

98.
98.

The Integrated Revenue Management System (IRMS) which enables proper reconciliation and reporting of real-time data has been piloted with Ministry of Public Works, and a roll-out of additional Ministries is underway.

GOVERNANCE, RULE OF LAW AND OVERSIGHT Madam Deputy Speaker, 99.

The Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) continued deployment of troops in Mozambique (SAMIM) and successfully contained the volatile situation in the area of responsibility.

100.
100.

It is with great regret that during this deployment, Lesotho lost three soldiers due to Malaria, road accident and one killed in combat.

May their souls Rest in Eternal Peace!

I would like to convey my condolences to their families and Basotho at large.

101.

In response to the high crime and murder rate that prevailed in the country, more operations were conducted with success and the incidents of armed robberies and killings have declined notably.

HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 31 102.


The use of night air patrols aided in the success of the operation.

The Rapid Response Unit of LDF continues to remain ready to respond to calls on criminal activities to pursue its mandate.

Madam Deputy Speaker, 103.

It is with great pleasure to announce that the high court has been decentralized to northern region, in Leribe.

This court will serve Mokhotlong, Botha-Bothe and Leribe districts.

104.
104.

Two Judges and two Legal Aid Counsels have been deployed and the number of legal representations has increased by 10 percent compared to the previous years.

105.

The IEC has been allocated M322 million for costs related to the 2022 general elections and M285.7 million expenditure recorded.

106.

In this budget review, the Government is aware of fast-growing expenditure which exceeds revenue collections therefore affecting long term growth and service delivery.

107.
107.

Going forward, to enhance efficiency of resources, the Government will continue to release funds based on better outcome activities and calls for every Controlling Officer to maintain fiscal discipline.

108.

Sudden withdrawals from Treasury Bills and Bonds that may affect economic growth in the long-term, therefore the government HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 32 will work towards using supplementary budgets for unforeseen events.

109.
109.

Furthermore, there is need to sacrifice and raise more domestic resources to finance development while we only borrow for projects that will enhance growth to revert from relying entirely on SACU receipts.

110.

The analysis therefore shows that aggregate fiscal discipline will not be attained by all programmes that will be implemented as appropriated!

Which undermines budget credibility.

1718 111.


However; since the basic assumptions on the revenue side did not hold due to sluggish economic recovery and bills that were intended to expand the revenue base which could not reach the final stages; it means borrowing requirements had to increase or expenditure be contained and to accommodate clearance of arrears.

Madam Deputy Speaker, 112.


I wish to assure our suppliers that preparations are at an advanced stage to clear those arrears and address the big contractors after all submissions have been audited accordingly.
LEHA MAFISO A OMME HAKALO the remaining part of the fiscal year, the government will focus on the programmes that are to be fast-tracked in the 100 days from when the Government was constituted: HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 33  Contain expenditure to restore fiscal stability, whilst clearing arrears in line with available fiscal headroom and restraining further accumulation.
 Reduce cost of doing business in Government by centralising procurement through tendering; direct purchase from manufactures for essential goods and equipment; rationalise fleet and project implementation units.

 Employment creation through completion of Belo Industrial Park; Engage buyers and support indigenous manufacturing firms to revive employment in the sector.

 Use international presence through embassies to promote Lesotho for investment and tourism through monthly promotion pitches.
 Provide agricultural support Food production to increase self reliance and reduce food import bill.

 Facilitate restructuring of projects to address urgent needs in the health and education sector in particular  Facilitate the passing and implementation of key constitutional reforms to consolidate democratic rule, good governance, peace and stability Madam Deputy Speaker, 113.
May I conclude my statement by expressing my profound gratitude to His Majesty King Letsie III for the trust he placed in me for the stewardship of our Public Financial Management and financial sector.

HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 34 114.

We have confidence in the prospects of the economy and in the notion that Lesotho remains an attractive investment destination in the region.

115.

We shall press on the turn around this economy.

Lesotho has to prosper.


We will live the Khotso, Pula, Nala that we so proudly assert all the time.

116.

Equally, I thank The Right Honourable the Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane and my Cabinet colleagues and all of you, Honourable Members for the support and collective leadership.

I thank our Development Partners for their technical and financial support during this year of unprecedented challenge.

117.
117.

May I also extend my gratitude to line Ministries, Departments and Agencies for their hard work and understanding of the necessity to doing more with less as they implement government programs.

118.

Lastly, I wish to extend my profound gratitude to the team of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning who worked with much dedication and selflessness to consolidate this report.

KHOTSO!

PULA!

NALA!

[Applause] Mid-Term Budget 2022/2023 to lie upon the Table; and to be published HON.
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Honourable Members, the statement that has just been presented by the Honourable Minister has been sent electronically for your consumption.

Bahlomphehi, this Motion does not require seconding in terms HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 35 of Standing Order No.67 (4).

Therefore based on the explanation that I gave yesterday regarding the situation on our committees which are yet to be formulated, we will address this statement in the same manner.
Bahlomphehi Litho tse Khabane, the debate on this motion shall therefore stand adjourned until the day that the Business Committee will determine for resumption of the debate.

By so saying Honourable Members, we have come the end of today’s Business and the Chair wishes the Rt.

Hon.

The Prime Minister, Hon.

President of Senate, Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the House, Hon.

Ministers, Hon.

Vice President of the Senate, Hon.

Leader of Opposition, Hon.


Leaders of Political Parties represented in the House, Hon.

Senators, Hon.

Members, Clerks and Parliamentary Staff, our quests, Media and Civil Society Organisations a very pleasant weekend.

HON.

MEMBERS: Same to you.

HON.

MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: The House is adjourned until Monday afternoon at 02:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT There being no further Business upon the Order Paper, Hon.

Madam Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without question put, pursuant to Standing Order No.16 (2).
The House accordingly adjourned at 10:54 a.m. HANSARD: FRIDAY, 09TH DECEMBER, 2022 36