This is a summary in brief of the phases of the development of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. It looks at the benefits of this transfer scheme to both Lesotho and South Africa.
Lesotho Highlands Water Project
This is a cross-boarder water transfer scheme between the countries of Lesotho and South Africa – it
notably uses a high-altitude dam in order to reduce transfer pumping costs and allows gravity to play a
major role in transportation.
1986 Signed treaty
South Africa would pay for:
o Construction
o Operation
o Maintenance cost
o Compensation for displacement of individuals through the construction of the dam
Lesotho would pay for:
o The hydroelectric power component of the dam
This project was developed into two phases and aimed to transfer 70 m³/s of water to the Vaal Basin
Phase 1a.
Katse dam was constructed – 185m high dam wall
A 45km transfer tunnel from Katse to Muela reservoir
o Muela reservoir is what takes to the Vaal Basin
o Muela reservoir has a hydroelectric power station present
37km long tunnel from Muela reservoir to Vaal River Basin
Phase 1b.
Mohale dam was constructed – 145m high dam wall
32km long transfer tunnel from Mohale upstream of Katse
o Was created so that more water present in katse for transfer
Matsoku Diversion weir – 15m high
5.7km transfer tunnel from Matsoku weir to katse dam
Phase 2
Still being implemented
Rockfill dam at Polihali 38km transfer tunnel to Katse
o More water present
Benefits to Lesotho of transfer scheme:
Increased GDP and increased power generation (hydroelectric power)
Water transfer loyalties (SA paying)
Hydropower sales are permanent to other countries or use within own country
More than 16000 jobs in the production of the transfer scheme
Basotho contractors and companies used – job creation
High quality roads – improved access to get building materials to where needed
Bridges and road rehabilitation
Clinics and townhalls for communication of what will be happening to communities because
of the transfer scheme
Telecommunication systems development
Negative on Lesotho:
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