THE Revolution for Prosperity (RFP)-led government has taken a swipe at previous regimes, accusing them of failing dismally to settle their arrears some dating as far back as 2014.

This, the newly formed coalition government said, thus, negatively affected the much-desired economic development.  

But the new administration, which took office after the October 2022 general elections under renowned mining mogul, Sam Matekane, has since restored Basotho’s dwindling hope.

However, as things stand now, it seems rather difficult for the new regime to move forward and fulfill the people’s wishes.

Among others, the Matekane administration had pledged to entice investors into the country, fight the pervasive corruption and create employment, particularly for the youth.

But some of the elaborate ideas that won the Prime Minister the top seat appear to be so near yet so far.

To try and mitigate some of the challenges it encounters, the government is implementing measures that are earmarked to among others reduce spending and save more money in order to ensure sustainability.

Some of these measures were recently outlined by the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr Retšelitsoe Matlanyane when addressing the nation on the country’s current economic condition.

She said, for instance, while the government still owes suppliers over M600 million, more than M400 million of that money has been frozen due to unclear documentation. 

“Out of the M643 million owed, we are convinced that the government only has to pay M200 million, pending availability of funds. The remaining balance of M443 million has been frozen because there was no clear documentation confirming that such companies are owed by the government,” Dr Matlanyane.

She said since 2014, previous governments have been failing to take responsibility to pay arrears on time.

“Even today, some arrears dating back from that year still have to be paid,” she said.

Owing to the red tape, the Minister said, the government struggles to stick to its budget as some of its monies end up being diverted toward previous years’ programmes.