MEDIA RELEASE
The Kingdom of Lesotho has underscored the importance of the implementation of the SADC Infrastructure Master Plan and the pivotal role that infrastructure plays in the region, especially as an enabler to trade, information as well as its impact on the quality of the lives of the people.
This was said by Right Honourable Prime Minister of The Kingdom of Lesotho; Motsoahae Thomas Thabane when he welcomed the SADC Executive Secretary Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax during her courtesy call on him on 16 January 2014 in Maseru, Kingdom of Lesotho.
In agreeing with the sentiments of the Prime Minister, Dr. Tax said "Infrastructure has an important role to play in SADC's journey to accelerate development and achieve the regional integration agenda. The Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan (RIDMP) is developed to guide the implementation of efficient, seamless and cost-effective trans-boundary infrastructure networks. The primary objective of the SADC Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan is to facilitate provision of adequate, integrated and cost efficient infrastructure related services to support regional integration. The main sectors under this programme include Energy, Transport, Telecommunications/ICT, Water and Tourism."
Right Honourable Thabane and Dr. Tax furthermore recognised that regional integration should be supported by peace, security and political stability. In that regard, they hailed the progress made by SADC in delivering a peaceful solution to the Madagascar crisis, culminating in the holding of free, fair and transparent elections. They appreciated the achievements being made in the search for a lasting solution to the conflict in Eastern DRC, resulting in the signing of Declarations by the Government and M23. The Prime Minister commended SADC for its role in extricating the Kingdom of Lesotho from its political impasse following disputed elections of 2007.
They also called for the speedy finalization of the review of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) with a clear focus on key strategic priorities, in particular infrastructure development and trade facilitation. They agreed that the implementation of the revised RISDP should be harmonized and energized with the Strategic Indicative Plan of the organ (SIPO).
SADC SECRETARIAT - 28 JANUARY 2014
