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SPEECH BY PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE NELSON MANDELA
ROAD TO KATSE

Lesotho, 13 JULY 1995

Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am keenly aware that in inviting me to inaugurate this road, and in giving
it my name, you are honouring the people of South Africa. Their victory, with
the support of the people of Lesotho, has indeed opened the way for the
successful implementation of the mighty Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

Lesotho and South Africa can be proud of this world class project. It
exemplifies bold imagination, engineering skill and sound co-operation between
our two countries.

It will give South Africa water it sorely needs for industrial growth. It
will provide Lesotho with infrastructure and funds to fuel its development.

Provision has been made by our two governments to compensate all those whose
lives are disrupted by the progress of the project. Rural development projects
will provide them with new opportunities. This is in line with the humane
principles which underpin our new relations.

Construction work on the main components of the project itself could not
commence without the creation of a new infrastructure. One of the sterling
achievements of the project is the construction of this access road. Covering a
distance of over 400 kilometers, it is rightly regarded by the engineering world
as an outstanding accomplishment.

Along with the other infrastructural developments, it will open up remote
areas in the country, promote tourism and recreation, and stimulate employment.
The roads, power lines and buildings will be of benefit to many people for years
to come.

In its defining features, the Lesotho Highlands Water Project is a model for
the reconstruction and development of Southern Africa. It draws on complementary
strengths and resources in order to meet complementary needs. It is being
implemented with due regard to the interests of all who are affected.

international community it devotes the resources of both our countries
towards enhancing our productive capacity.

The project will leave behind it in Lesotho not only roads and dams, but also
more jobs and more skills. This is important both for the future of Lesotho and
the future of the project itself. The long term success of the Lesotho Highlands
Water Project, and its contribution to the social and economic development of
our region, will depend also on how it is managed when the engineering feats
have been long completed.

Reconstruction and development in our country and across our region entails
breaking down the barriers which apartheid imposed. It allows us to redress the
effects of destabilisation and the historical imbalances within and between
countries.

Let us view this road as one of the gateways to those of our objectives, an
avenue for greater cooperation.

I hereby inaugurate the Nelson Mandela Road.

May it long continue to promote the mutual interests of the peoples of
Lesotho and South Africa.

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