25 September 2024 by Pascalinah Kabi

The Disaster Management Authority (DMA) has announced an increase in the estimated emergency funds needed to respond to the drought-induced humanitarian crisis, rising from the initial M1.2 billion to M2,002,863,799.

In July 2024, Prime Minister Samuel Matekane declared a national food insecurity disaster, stating that Lesotho required M1.2 billion to address drought-related food shortages. However, barely two months later, on September 11, 2024, DMA Chief Executive Officer Reatile Elias informed the media that the country would now need M2,002,863,799. This updated figure was presented in the ‘El-Niño Induced Food Insecurity Response Plan and Appeal Statement 2024.’

Uncensored News Managing Editor, Pascalinah Kabi, attended the briefing and sought clarification on the reasons behind the jump from M1.2 billion to M2,002,863,799. Click below to listen to the DMA’s responses, including how the agency plans to implement checks and balances to prevent a repeat of the corruption scandals that marred the Covid-19 response.