On Thursday, March 13, 2025, the World Bank’s Lead Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist, Mr. Miguel Vargas-Ramirez, officially handed over Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and laboratory support equipment, along with three Toyota GD6 twin-cab vehicles, to WASCO.
The laboratory equipment, valued at $228,000, includes data capturing tools, information and laboratory management software, and analytical instruments spanning various applications. These resources will enhance and broaden the scope of analysis, provide real-time process control results, minimise human intervention, enable timely assessments, and support preparations for the WASCO Laboratory’s ISO 17025 accreditation.
The NRW department has also received advanced technological equipment worth approximately M57 million Maluti. This includes vehicles, office furniture, portable pressure and flow data loggers, and digital clamp-on flow meters, among other essential tools.
The acquisition of this equipment is timely, as WASCO is actively implementing measures to mitigate water losses in its operating centers. One such initiative is “Operation Hlasela Metsi a Qhalanang,” a targeted intervention designed to address the significant volume of non-revenue water (NRW) and its financial implications. This initiative was piloted in Maseru over a two-week period.
In his speech, Mr. Vargas-Ramirez encouraged WASCO to continue its efforts and called for collective action to ensure the company’s success. He expressed his appreciation for the team spirit demonstrated by WASCO staff during his delegation’s visit, highlighting the warm reception, comprehensive presentations, and the overall positive engagement of employees.
Mr. Mathealira Lerotholi, Project Manager of the Lesotho Lowlands Water Development Project II (LLWDP-II) and former WASCO Chief Executive, reaffirmed his support for WASCO’s initiatives. He commended management and staff for their dedication to
delivering quality service to customers and stakeholders. However, he noted concerns about the slow progress in sewerage project implementation, pointing out that several areas are water-reticulated but remain unsewered, forcing a significant number of customers to rely on septic tanks or conservancy tanks. He emphasised that addressing this issue is crucial to improving sanitation service levels across all operating centers.
Mr. Lerotholi expressed hope that, given WASCO’s ongoing improvements, the World Bank would extend its support to the development of sewerage infrastructure.
WASCO’s Chief Executive, Mr. Falla Seboko, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the World Bank’s continued support, particularly in African countries like Lesotho. He acknowledged the financial assistance provided, which has contributed to economic progress and significantly supported WASCO’s initiatives. Mr. Seboko emphasised the importance of embracing emerging digital technologies to drive transformation and stated that the newly acquired equipment would facilitate these advancements.
