The Ministry of Trade has reported back to the Informal and Formal Sector Businesses on the progress made thus far in regards to COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Speaking at a press briefing in Maseru yesterday, the Private Sector Competitiveness and Economic Diversification Project Coordinator Mr. Chaba Mokuku said, of the M50 million budgeted for the COVID-19 Relief fund, more than M15 million has been released for disbursement by the Ministry of Finance.

Mokuku said to date, 1018 formal sector businesses and 11, 455 informal sector businesses throughout the country have received their funds and the process is continuing.

Mrs. Makopano Mosakeng from the Private Sector said, some businesses in the informal sector were not paid because their names particularly those of females written on applications and Identity cards did not correspond with those on Mpesa and Ecocash accounts.

On the other hand, Mrs. Maremi Mabathoana from Thibella Zone Vendors Association said, the government had failed them as they have been waiting for these funds for almost two years.