The government of Japan will extend a grant of about $10-million for the construction of primary schools in the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Japanese Embassy said yesterday.

"Japan strives towards enhancing a positive culture of learning, teaching and service delivery in the education environment. It is commonly agreed that the enhancement of basic education is one of the key factors in promoting sustainable economic and social development," embassy spokesman K Matsui said in a statement yesterday.

Matsui said that through the collaboration between the two countries, a total of 229 classrooms in 17 newly built schools and water supply facilities would be introduced in Berea and Maseru.

"The government of Japan believes that the new facilities will prove beneficial to the disadvantages educators and learners of Berea and Maseru, and that it will provide an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning."

A signing ceremony will take place on Friday between the Ambassador of Japan, Toshinori Shigeie, and Lesotho foreign affairs minister Mohlabi Tsekoa in Maseru. – Sapa.