The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, ADFD, has extended Dh77 million (US$21 million) in concessionary loans towards the construction of the Metolong Dam in the Kingdom of Lesotho, a land-locked nation surrounded by South Africa. Construction of the dam, which provides 71,000 cubic meters of drinking water daily, was recently completed by the government of Lesotho.

ADFD's loan was used to finance construction work of the concrete dam and its outbuildings, as well as for pumping and purifying plants and distribution pipelines.

Built at a total cost of Dh700 million (US$189 million), the dam project aims to support Lesotho's economy by enhancing the country's water infrastructure, and augmenting existing drinking water sources in the capital Maseru, as well as in the arterial towns of Roma, Mazenod, Teyateyaneng and the surrounding villages. The dam is expected to meet the population's water demands until 2025.

The project includes the construction of a dam, with the capacity of 53 million cubic meters on the Strait of Phuthiatsana River to store and distribute the river's water. It also comprises tanks and a plant to purify and store water, four pumping plants for the four cities, 89 kms of distribution pipelines, and complete civil and electro-mechanical construction works, as well as technical and advisory services.

Muhammad Seif Al Suwaidi, Managing Director, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, said that the UAE, under the leadership of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is keen to support and develop strong relationships with African nations that would ensure significant benefits for all concerned.

Speaking of the UAE's contributory loan offered via the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development to Lesotho, he said, "ADFD remains committed to financing new infrastructure development projects that are a priority for the government of Lesotho and other developing countries in Africa.

"The ADFD contributory loan of US$21 million has helped finance the construction of the Metolong Dam, one of the most important dams in the country that meets a significant need for drinking water in several cities in Lesotho, in addition to developing the country's water and irrigation infrastructure. We are confident the project will help Lesotho achieve sustainable development in the country."

The government of Lesotho expressed appreciation to the UAE for its collaboration and support in achieving sustainable development across different sectors of the country's economy.