THE Minister of Local Government and Chieftainship Lehlohonolo Moramotse says both chiefs and cabinet ministers bear the responsibility of ensuring good governance and service delivery to the nation.

He made these remarks on Thursday, during a meeting he had with Principal Chiefs in Maseru.

The meeting was part of a series of other meetings he has been holding with among others heads of departments and others senior officials in the ministry since his recent appointment to lead the ministry.

Mr Moramotse acknowledged the status of the chiefs as sons of the founder of the Basotho nation, King Moshoeshoe I, noting that by the virtue of their birth right, they are naturally on both permanent and higher leadership positions while ministers are their subjects, who as politicians, will always come and go.
He reassured the Principal Chiefs that he will always be available whenever they need him, promising that his door will always be open for them.
For their part, the principal chiefs welcomed the new minister, hopeful that he will meet their long wish list of needs, which for years have met promises but without implementation.
Chief Khoabane Theko of Thaba-Bosiu commended the efforts by the ministry especially the building of offices for the principal chiefs.

He said however, there remain challenges such as lack of resources that prohibit them from performing their duties accordingly, citing among others stationary, transport and means of communication.
He said while they are aware of scarcity of funds, but with both the will and commitment, the ministry could achieve more.