JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Lesotho's Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro has requested development partners to help it as it planned to rebuild following floods that caused destruction in the country.
The recent heavy rains that damaged the infrastructure, agricultural production and food security prompted Majoro to declare a six-month state of emergency.
"This situation has further been exacerbated by cyclone 'Eloise' which affected neighboring countries, bringing heavy rains into the country," Majoro said, noting that some citizens had been left without the necessary services due to the destruction of infrastructure including bridges.
The prime minister said his country would require around 100 million rand (about 6.82 million U.S. dollars) to deal with the damage.
Majoro in June last year visited South Africa and held talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa over a number of issues. While South Africa played a crucial role in ensuring peace during the previous administration under Tom Thabane, it's not clear if Lesotho would approach the country for assistance.
Political analyst Trust Matsilele told Xinhua that it would be in the interest of South Africa to help Lesotho as it had so much to benefit from the country including receiving water from Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Enditem
