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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 3

GRAPHIC OVERVIEW OF THE LESOTHO HIGHLANDS WATER

PROJECT 4
ADVANTAGES OF THE LHWP ON LESOTHO 6
Advantages of the LHWP on South Africa 6
Disadvantages of the LHWP on Lesotho (Ecocide and Human
Security) 7
Conclusion 8
Reference List 9

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Lesotho Highlands Water Project

Introduction
One of the most comprehensive water projects is the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) which
is between the Repulic of South Africa (RSA) and Government of Lesotho (GOL). The project aims to
use the highland water resources of Lesotho to benefit both South Africa and Lesotho. The project
has resulted in a co-operation and a mutual relationship between both countries. The LHWP aims to
construct five dams and tunnels to supply water of about 2,200 million cubic metres per annum to
both counties. The project has a had a negative effect on Lesotho as the constructions of dams
resulted in ecocide, deforestation, and displacement.

In this essay, we discuss the establishment and stages of the LHWP and highlight the advantages
and disadvantages the project cause to both countries. Also, the essay explores hydro politics in
Lesotho and the post-apartheid system in South Africa. This is followed by discussion how hydro
politics between both countries negatively impacts the people in the Lesotho region. The focus is
mainly on the social and environmental effects the project has in Lesotho. We will argue that although
the project has had its positive results such as co-operation between both countries, it had a negative
impact towards human security in Lesotho as a result from social and environmental effects.

The LHWP is a bi-national project between the Republic of South Africa and the Government of
Lesotho which was established in the 1970’s. The county's primary abundant resource was water,
thus in the early 1950s, Sir Evelyn Baring, the High Commissioner of Lesotho, asked to evaluate the
potential for the resource. Sir Ballenden selected Ninham Shand, a Cape Town engineer, to do a
feasibility study on the viability of tunneling water from Lesotho to South Africa.

The engineer devised a plan, which he called the Oxbow project, to use a hydroelectric power plant
that crosses Maloti to collect water in high places from Lesotho to South Africa. Due to a lack of funds,
South Africa initially declined to participate in the project that Lesotho had proposed. During South
Africa's drought in the 1960s, efforts were made to bring the project back to life.

Based on these conclusions, both nations proceeded to negotiate a treaty in 1986 that set the
project's formal start date and specified its objectives, Lesotho's and South Africa's roles, and a long-
term implementation schedule. The agreement also created parastatal organizations, the Trans-
Calderon Tunnel Authority in South Africa, and the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA)
in Lesotho, whose duties included general project supervision and the execution of compensation and
resettlement plans. As of right now, the project is just halfway finished. This is a considerable delay
over the first thirty years specified in the treaty.

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Graphic overview of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project
According to Mirumachi (2007) It was in the 1970s that the Lesotho Highlands Water Project was
established which would export water from Maloti in Lesotho to Gauteng in South Africa. The Lesotho
Highlands Water Project is a large-scale water transfer scheme, the project consists of construction of
dams, tunnels, and reservoirs to transfer water from Lesotho to Johannesburg in South Africa. Upon
completion of the project, forty percent of the water from the Orange River near Segu, Lesotho, will be
moved to the Vaal River in South Africa. The following are the primary infrastructures constructed
during the project:

As part of Phase 1A, work on the Katse and Mohale Dams was started in 1989 and finished in 1982
and 2002. The actual dam is 710 meters long and 180 meters high. Additionally, a 45-kilometer
transfer tunnel between the Muela Hydropower Station and the Katse Dam was dug. The Mohale
Dam, the Muela Hydropower Station, and a diversion tunnel to the Katse Dam were all built during
Phase 1B. Water that is transported by tunnel to the Mohale reservoir is stored in the Katse and
Mohale dams.

Since its 1998 commissioning, the Muela Hydropower Station has produced 72 megawatts of
electricity for Lesotho. As a result, Lesotho is no longer nearly as dependent on South Africa for
electricity. With the opening of the Mohale Dam in 2004, Phase 1B—and consequently the entirety of
Phase I—was finally completed, Shand (1997).

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Figure 1: Phase 1 of Lesotho Highlands Water Project

A 38-kilometer tunnel connects the 165-meter-tall Polihali Dam, which has the capacity to store 2.2
billion m3 of water, to the Katse Dam, allowing water to be transported to South Africa. The Tsoelike
Dam, which will hold up to 2223 million m3, is planned to be constructed at the junction of the Tsoelike
and Senqu rivers, near the Katse Dam. On the Senqu River, 40 kilometers downstream from the
Tsoelike Dam, will be constructed the Ntoahae Dam and pumping station.

Figure 2: A map of the Lesotho Highland Water Project

At the end of project, about 200km of tunnels will be built to transfer 2000 million m3 of water to South
African annually.

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Advantages of the LHWP on Lesotho
Despite the negative implications of the project, The Government of Lesotho benefited from the
project economically. Lesotho saw a sharp rise in revenue after the project's start. According to
Hitchcock (2015) the project has helped the nation's GDP increase by 75% and its residents' living
standards to improve. The project has benefited the economy in terms of royalties, customs revenue
from large imports required for the project's construction, higher tax revenues as a result of project
operations, etc. For example, between 1999 and 2004, royalties alone earned in around US$150
million for Lesotho.

The project helped Lesotho people by providing jobs during construction, which temporarily lowered
the country's unemployment rate. The infrastructure has also improved roads and communication
systems, and more buildings and structures have been built to give access to the construction site.
Water delivery systems were installed in a number of Lesotho locations once the project was
completed. Based on available data, the Lesotho region of Maseru is expected to get almost 90% of
the water supply. The Project is important enough that South Africa is likely to provide political support
to any Lesotho government or leadership that is prepared to work with and protect South Africa's
interests in the Project.

Although there have been debates about the project, the Lesotho Government has certainly gained
substantial economic advantages from carrying it out, Keketso (2003). The project has had a
significant impact with a notable increase in income, a substantial 75% increase in the nation's GDP,
and improvements in the living standards of its residents. Royalties, tariffs, and higher tax income
have played a major role in Lesotho's economic development. Additionally, the temporary alleviation
of unemployment has been achieved through the creation of job opportunities during the construction
phase. Enhancements in infrastructure such as better roads, communication networks, and water
supply systems continue to highlight the positive influence of the project on the country's progress.
Furthermore, the project's strategic value has received backing from the political sphere in South
Africa, strengthening its importance for Lesotho's future economic success.

Advantages of the LHWP on South Africa

South Africa has benefited mostly from the Lesotho Highlands Water project. The project gives 10% of
the population in South Africa who do not have access to a safe supply of water a vital source of water
for industrial uses. The Republic of South Africa's economy expands as long as water supply keeps
up with Johannesburg's economic activity. This water source helps an area with irregular rainfall
patterns and recurring droughts by reducing the negative effects of periodic drought in South Africa.

The LHWP has provided significant advantages to South Africa, especially in terms of water safety
and cooperation within the region. Access to a stable and reliable water supply from Lesotho's
highlands is a major benefit for South Africa. This has been essential in supporting South Africa's
expanding urban areas, industrial zones, and farming operations, particularly in times of drought or
water shortage.

Moreover, the LHWP has helped to promote better water management techniques in the area, leading
to increased efficiency and sustainability of water resources. This has not just aided economic growth
but also assisted in environmental efforts by encouraging responsible water use and ecosystem
protection.

Mirumachi (2007), elucidates that the initiative has helped strengthen diplomatic relations and
collaboration between Lesotho and South Africa, thereby enhancing regional stability and shared
economic goals. Through investing in and backing the development of water infrastructure in Lesotho,
South Africa has bolstered its strategic alliances and shown its dedication to regional progress and
collaboration.
In general, the LHWP has played a key role in enhancing South Africa's water security, advocating for

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sustainable development, and nurturing closer regional ties, resulting in substantial socio-economic
advantages for the nation and its citizens.

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) demonstrates the mutually advantageous partnership
between Lesotho and South Africa. Lesotho has gained significant economic benefits and improved
infrastructure through the project, while South Africa has obtained important access to a reliable water
supply, improving its water security, and promoting stability in the region. By working closely together
and making strategic investments, the two countries have used the project to tackle urgent socio-
economic issues and enhance diplomatic relations. The LHWP continues to show the significant
advantages it brings to both nations, demonstrating how working together can drive sustainable
development and prosperity across boundaries.

Disadvantages of the LHWP on Lesotho (Ecocide and Human

Security)
The Lesotho Highland Water Project has had a negative impact on the Lesotho environment,
examples of such implications are ecocide, this is the destruction of trees and natural habitats and the
ecosystem. Ecocide is the destruction of the natural environment by deliberate human action.
Pollution can occur as a result of ecocide which will destroy the Moloti ecosystem, thus the land will
thus not have enough time to replenish and recover from deforestation. Ecocide also causes
displacement in communities. Due to deforestation, Mwangi (2007) argues the project had had a
negative implication such as leaving the country landlessness and to be dependent of food imports
from other countries. In addition to losses in money, food, and energy, the depletion of fuel supplies,
wild vegetables, and therapeutic plants (mentioned previously) resulted in cultural deprivation and a
fall in the health standards of the affected population.

A large population of people move to safe areas, and this is mainly due to ecocidal activities by the
government. According to (Douglas & Dempsey, 2020) the project in Lesotho gave rise to physical
and political conflicts. Thabane (2000), explains that people in Lesotho were forced to move from their
habitats for their own survival due to ecological disasters and changes in the environment, other were
forced to move due to harmful development plans of the project.

Douglas & Dempsey (2020) argue that the highlands is a threat to human security in that it has
diminished access to resources such as food crops and animal stock. Food security has been
affected negatively, leading to hunger and starvation among affected families and their livestock. The
depletion of such lands has also created violent conflict among affected communities as they compete
for scarce resources, thereby adversely affecting their personal and community security

The construction of dams in Moloti result in ecocide, according to the World Commission on Dams, it
is evident that large dams drive the loss of forests and natural habitats, this often results to loss of
population of species and emissions of greenhouse gases due to decaying vegetation and carbon
inflows from the basin. This led to the loss of aquatic biodiversity and in most instances an irreversible
loss of different species and natural habitats. Most of the contracts during construction were awarded
to South African firms and the companies hired local workers but most South was most profitable than
Lesotho.

Most of the people affected by the project complain about poor quality of housing, limited water
resources, inadequate social and health facilities, and inadequate or unsuitable land for agricultural in
their settled areas. Another big barrier was not having access to free, renewable resources. The
community's long-standing source of extra income from the selling of firewood was abolished due to
the lack of fuel resources, such as trees and shrubs. Individuals who were affected had to walk great
distances to obtain firewood. Furthermore, the affected households that had previously gathered wild
vegetables in the river valley were forced to go much farther to do so or give up on eating them
completely. Of these, half of the households. The communities recognize the strategic importance of
the project for the country, but they also stress that it is a threat to human security. Communities
affected by the project allege that their rights are being infringed.

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Although Lesotho's gains from the Project are not as great as those of South Africa, they are
nonetheless noteworthy and shouldn't be disregarded. The project has had more detrimental
repercussions on the ecosystem than beneficial ones, according to the Lesotho government. Thus,
large dams pose a risk to both the ecology and human safety.

Conclusion
Like the majority of dams in southern Africa, the huge dams built and run under the LHWP have had
negative socioeconomic and environmental repercussions. They have caused thousands of people to
be displaced and violated in their fundamental rights and freedoms. They have also had a harmful
influence on the ecosystem. The most noteworthy aspect of the Compensation Policy's
implementation has been how the impacted communities have received inadequate and incorrect
compensation. Thousands of hectares of arable and grazing land have also been destroyed as a
result of project building. Additionally, it has led to the destruction of priceless community assets. The
negative impact these environmental and social factors are having on the nation's human security
issues is significant.

The Lesotho government, and the LHDA in particular, should implement the WCD's suggestions for
planning and making decisions about big dams in order to solve these issues. The LHDA shall, in
particular, protect the rights of all affected parties, mitigate risks, and acknowledge the rights of those
who are impacted. In order to maximize the advantages from the project's current and future dams, it
should also address unresolved socioeconomic issues and increase environmental mitigation and
restoration efforts. One could argue that these actions will eventually take care of Lesotho's human
security issue.

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Reference List

Douglas, L. and Dempsey, S. (2020) The Lesotho Highlands Water Project: Impacts of large-
scale water development on local communities, The Urge To Help. Available at:
https://theurgetohelp.com/articles/the-lesotho-highlands-water-project-impacts-of-large-scale-
water-development-on-local-communities/ (Accessed: 23 April 2024).
Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho and Government of the Republic of South
Africa. Treaty of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. 1986.
Hitchcock, R.K., 2015. The Lesotho Highlands water project: dams, development, and the
World Bank. Sociology and anthropology, 3(10), pp.526-538.
Keketso, L., 2003. The Mixed Blessings of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Mountain
research and development, 23(1), pp.7-10.
Mirumachi, N. (2007) ‘The politics of water transfer between South Africa and Lesotho:
Bilateral cooperation in the Lesotho Highlands water project’, Water International, 32(4), pp.
558–570. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/02508060.2007.9709688 (Accessed: 23 April
2024).
Mwangi, Oscar. “Hydropolitics, Ecocide and Human Security in Lesotho: A Case Study of
the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.” Journal of Southern African Studies, vol. 33, no.4,
(2007): 3-17.
N. Shand, The Lesotho Highlands Water Project Inauguration of Phase 1A: The Role of
Ninham Shand Consulting Engineers (1997)
Thabane, M., 2000. Shifts from old to new social and ecological environments in the Lesotho
highlands water scheme; relocating residents of the Mohale dam area. Journal of Southern
African Studies, 26(4), pp.633-654.

1986 Treaty on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project between Lesotho and South Africa
(1886), P.10. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2225-7160/2021/v54a19 (Accessed: 23
April 2024)

Africa, '1986 Treaty on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project between Lesotho and South
Africa' (1986), p. 10.

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