Lesotho

Why Habitat is needed in Lesotho

Lesotho (La-SUE-too) is a small country, roughly the size of Belgium. Nestled in the palm of South Africa, it is home to majestic mountain ranges. The lowest elevation in the country is still above 3,000 feet, making it the world’s highest “minimum elevation” of any nation on earth! Lesotho shares strong economic ties with South Africa but is proud of its unique political, cultural and social identity.

High altitude and autonomy, however, bring distinctive challenges. During the winter months, snow covers much of the mountain ranges and makes working outdoors difficult. Only one half of 1 percent of Lesotho is forested. Because of this, obtaining coal, kerosene or straw for heating becomes difficult for families living in stone or brick houses with no insulation. Having strong economic ties with South Africa does not mean that the Lesotho economy is expanding. Challenges in the textile and agriculture sectors, and the high rate of HIV/Aids make it difficult for families to afford safe and decent shelter. These dilemmas encourage many families to migrate to larger cities in search of stable employment.

In many instances, arriving in the capital with little money and even less formal training makes it hard to find work and housing. Families end up living in overcrowded, unsafe and unhealthy conditions. As many as fifteen families may share one latrine and children play near open sewage. Women are particularly vulnerable since they have no inheritance rights, and little hope of ever having a place to call their own. The Ministry of Local Government reports that more than 45,000 units of decent, affordable housing are needed to resolve the current crisis in the capital district alone!

How Habitat helps
Habitat for Humanity Lesotho launched its program in 2001 and is primarily building houses in Khubelo, on the outskirts of the urban capital, Maseru. The block and brick homes utilize a corrugated iron roof and consist of two to three rooms, or 28 and 43 square meters respectively. All houses have a detached latrine.

Since snow accumulates for several weeks at a time in rural areas, Habitat has partnered with World Vision to reach out to remote locations. In Mohales Hoek, Habitat is providing technical support for the construction of 150 homes for low income families in need of safe and decent housing at affordable prices.

Highlights

• HIV/Aids is rampant in Lesotho. Over 40 percent of females aged between 25 and 39 are infected and there are over 100,000 Aids orphans. Since 2005, Habitat Lesotho has been providing shelter for children and youths in this category while SOS Children’s Village attends to the health, education and food security needs. There are currently plans underway to expand this project.
• Habitat Lesotho works in close partnership with other groups committed to reducing poverty housing, such as the Ministry of Local Government. The MoLG has assisted Habitat Lesotho in locating land for housing at reduced costs. They are also becoming more active in advocacy on behalf of women and children for secure tenure and inheritance rights.
• In cooperation with UN Habitat and the Maseru City Council, Habitat Lesotho is an integral part of the National Urban Support Team dedicated to eradicating informal settlements by the year 2020.
• Habitat Lesotho also participates in the World Habitat Day sponsored by UN Habitat and the MoLG.

Facts about Lesotho
Location: Southern Africa (surrounded by South Africa)
Population: 1.8 million
Languages: Sesotho, English, Zulu, Xhosa
Climate: Warm summers (October – March) and cold winters (April – September)
Religion: Christianity, traditional beliefs
Government: Parliamentary with a constitutional monarchy
Economy: Subsistence agriculture, livestock, textiles