World Water Day 2026 Commemoration in Qalabane, Mafeteng
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 08/04/2026
Mafeteng, Lesotho — The Kingdom of Lesotho will on Friday 10/04/26 commemorate World Water Day at Qalabane, Mafeteng, under the United Nations theme “Water and Gender” and the slogan: “Where Water Flows, Equality Follows.”
This year’s observance highlights the link between water access and gender equality. In many rural communities women and girls still bear the burden of collecting water, which limits schooling, economic participation, and dignity. When clean, reliable water is brought closer to households, girls can attend school, women gain livelihood opportunities, and families enjoy healthier lives.
The Government of Lesotho, through the Department of Water, with support from development partners — World Bank, European Investment Bank, African Development Bank, European Union, UNICEF, World Vision Lesotho, and others — has invested in major initiatives including Lesotho Lowlands Water Development Project Phase II and III, and the Lowlands Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project. These projects have expanded treatment works, pipelines, reservoirs, and household connections across lowland towns and rural areas. Phase II infrastructure is approaching completion, and Phase III aims to benefit over 550,000 people when fully implemented, while rural programs target historically underserved communities.
These investments advance Sustainable Development Goal 6 by reducing time spent fetching water, preventing water-related disease, integrating sanitation and hygiene education, and promoting women’s leadership in water management.
The Government reaffirms its commitment to gender-responsive water policies that ensure women are beneficiaries and leaders in water services. Basotho are called to support policies that improve opportunities for women and girls and ensure equitable water access for all.
Event partners and supporters: European Union (EU), European Investment Bank (EIB), UNICEF, World Vision – Lesotho, Lesotho Lowlands Water Development Phase II (LLWDP II), Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) and the Department of Water Affairs
For media enquiries:
Reentseng Phephetho