A/HRC/42/47/Add.7 rights). The rights to safe drinking water and sanitation are therefore, as mentioned by the Special Rapporteur, basic, cross cutting and a human rights-based approach is thus important. The right to water which is safe and of good quality is undoubtedly on Government agenda as water is a natural resource which is vital for survival of all human beings and other species. 4. Most of the recommendations that have been brought to the attention of Government are already being implemented incrementally in the daily water supply and sanitation services provision. However, we wish to respond as follows to some of them: 5. There is already an existing legislation, the Water Act 2008, which provides for the management, protection, conservation development and sustainable utilization of water resources. Further, the Government of Lesotho is embarking on the development of water supply and sanitation legislation and will embrace human rights aspects. 6. Since 2000, the Government embarked on development of the Lesotho Lowlands Water Supply Scheme to provide safe drinking water and sanitation services to populations residing in the urban and rural lowlands of Lesotho. The scheme will ensure adherence and compliance to the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation. The scheme is implemented in phases; the first of which is the Metolong Dam and Water Supply Programme covering Maseru and Berea followed by Lesotho Lowlands Water Development Project Phase II which covers Leribe, Mafeteng and Mohales’ Hoek.The next development will be undertaken in Butha-Buthe and Quthing. 7. To address water supply and sanitation services in other parts of the country (highlands), the Rural Water Supply project isimplemented to improve access to water supply and access to latrines and improving the hygiene practices.Village Water Supply project provides for maintenance of existing rural water systems. 8. The Government welcomes and notes the recommendation on institutional framework to include media in the water sector. Their inclusion has been maximized as they are part of the Water Sector Coordinating Meetings for reporting back to the public.They are in the forefront in dissemination of water and sanitation issues. 9. The recommendation on the establishment of the Human Rights Commission in Lesotho is noted. Lesotho is working tirelessly towards its operationalization and conform to the international human rights standards and be compliant with the Paris Principles. At present the awareness campaigns in collaboration with civil society organizations have commenced where the public is made aware of the envisaged work of the Commission. 10. The recommendation of including hygiene and its management in national policy is noted. The pre-schools and day-care centers are regulated and thus must have water and toilets for use by young children and school staff. There are regular unannounced checks on schools to ensure they comply with the requirements. 11. The interim measure of provision of water through alternative mechanisms, such as trucks, already exists especially during periods of water shortages such as drought and water cuts for various reasons. However, the challenge of reaching the remote rural arears where there are no accessible roads is noted. This is being addressed by the Ministry of Local Government and Ministry of Public Works together to provide for roads infrastructure each fiscal year and coverage is indeed growing. 12. Regarding accessibility in the provision of water to identified villages, the villages where pipes pass through and were not in the particular project, also get to be provided with water. In the remote areas there is provision of public water taps or protected water wells, although sometimes peoples vandalize them. There is further provision of public toilets which are accessible by street vendors and other workers on the streets though they attract a minimal fee meant to cater for their maintenance and cleaning. 13. With regard toaffordability, the Government put in place the regulatory authority in charge of setting the tariffs in urban areas. It is conceded that the set tariffs may be high and not affordable by all especially those in vulnerable situation or with limited economic capacity. We note that special tariffs need to be set for various users. 14. On the quality of drinking water, the Water and Sewage Company (WASCO) is designated and entrusted with this mandate. It must be acknowledged that there is some 3