DOCSLIB.ORG

Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized I * * ¼~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-~ -.- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~4 - I 0. laIt,\ KINGDOMOF LESOTHO LESOTHO HIGHLANDSDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY LESOTHO HIGHLANDSWATER PROJECT PHASE 1B ENVIRONMENTALIMPACT ASSESSMENT May 1997 I Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase IB EnviromnentalImpact Assessmrent This EnvironmentalImpact Assessmentis dedicatedto the memoryof Dr. Malefane Maema, who died tragicallyin a motor accidentin November1996. Dr. Maema was a former Manager of the EnvironmentDivision of LHDA and a strong advocate of the environmentalimpact assessment process, particularly as a vehicle for the protection of the culture and socio-economyof the people of the Highlands.Following his career with the LHDA he pursued a teaching positionat the Universityof Natal where he continuedhis interest in environmentalmanagement and rural development.During the preparation of the Phase IB EIA Dr. Maema was a valuable member of the UNESCO/UNDPreview team and a contributor of provocativethought and detailed commentto both the EIA process and its product as reflectedin the first two draftsof the EIA document. Dr Maema's contributionto the environmentalmanagement of Lesotho's resources will be greatly missed bv his professionalcolleagues in LHDA and elsewhere.His loss will be felt by all in Lesotho who rely on the resources of the country for their livelihood,and by those who continue the pursuit of sustainable resourcemanagement. a A Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 1B EnvironmentalInpact Assessment Table of Contents SUMMARY ............ viii 1.I NTRODUCTION...................... I 1.1 STATEMENTOF PURPOSE.1 1.2 BACKGROUND.1 1.3 LESOTHOHIGHLANDS WATER PROJECT CONCEPT .2 1.4 INSTITUTIONALAND LEGAL FRAMEWORK .2 1.4.1 TreatyAgreement.? 1. 4.2 EL4 Requirement and Other Related Regulations .7 1.5 LESSONSLEARNED FROM PHASE A .8 1.5f.1Management.8 1.5.2 Local People.9 1.5.3 Socio-economic Concerns.10 1.5.44Compensation.1l 1.5.5 Environment.11 1.5.6 Rural Development.12 1.6 SCOPE OF THE EIA.12 2. METHODS12 .4 IPCToSSSMpENTMHOS-MHLATioMNT . ............................................-........... ......... .. ......... .... ......... .............. ... .. .. ......... .................... ...... 1713 . 2.1I GENERALDESCRIPTION .. 13 2.2 SCOPING AND SELECTIONOF IMPORTANTENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS.13 2.3 DATA COLLECTIONAND ANALYSIS.15 2.5 IMPACTASSESSMENT METHODS - RIVERS DOWNSTREAMOF DAM SITE.1 7 2.6 DEFINED STUDY AREAS (SPATIAL BOUNDS FOR EIA).18 2.7 DETERMINATIONOF IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE.19 2.7Z.1IDescription.19 2. 7.2 Defined Time Spans for Predi cted Impacts.19 2. 7.3 Scaie of Impacts9...............: 1 2. 7.4 Guidelines for Levels of Severity of Impacts.19 2. 7.5 Certaintv of Impact Occurrence.19 2. 7.6 Sign{ifcance of Impacts.20 2.8 POSITIVE IMPACTS.20 3. PROJECTDESCRIPTION ..... 1 3.1 PRO I SEECT L TTING. ............................................. 21 3.2PRO1 ECT ALTERNAvES s ...... 21 3.3 PROIECTDESCRIPTION ................ ; 3 3.3.1 General.23 3.3.2 Mohale Dam andAssociated infrastructure .23 3.3.3 Mohale Tunnel.25 3.3.4SMatsoku Diversion.25 3. 3.5 Supporting Infrastructure.25 3.3.6 Development Stages.26 3.3. 7 Development Program.26 I _ Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase lB Environmental Impact Assessment 4. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ............................................33 4.1PROJECTAREA............................................ 33 4.2 PHYSICALENIRONMENT ............................................ 33 4.2. 1 Climate .................................... 33 4.2.2 Geology and Physiography ................................... 35 4:2.3 River Aorpholog ......................... 40 4.2.4 Hydrology ................................... 41 4.2.5 Soils .................. 46 4.3 TERRESTRIALENVIRONMENT ................................... 52 4.3.1 Land Resources and Rangelands ................................... 52 4. 3.2 Livestock .... ;53 4.3.3 Field Crops and Horticulture ................................... 55 4.3.4 Forests and Village Orchards ................................... 58 4.3.5 Fauna .................. 58 4. 3.6 Flora .................. 61 4.3.7 Rare and Endangered Terrestrial Species ................................... 65 4.4 FRESHWATERENVIRONMENT ................................... 66 4.4.1 Habitats ................................... 66 4.4.2 Fauna .................. 68 4.4.3 Rare and EndangeredAquatic Species ................................... 71 4.4.4 Water Quality ................................... 71 4.4.5 Fisheries ................................... 72 4.5 Socio-EcoNoMicEN VIRONMENT................................................................ 74 4.5.1 Administration ...... :74 4.5.2 Popunlationand Settlements...................................................... 76 4.5.3 Land Tenure. Culture, Society and CommunityResources ...................................................... 78 4.5.4 Livelihood and Subsistence ...................................................... 78 4.5.5 Local Use ofResources...................................................... 78 4.5.6 TransportationandAccess ...................................................... 81 4.5.7 Health and Nutrition...................................................... 81 4.5.8 Education...................................................... 85 4.5.9 WaterSupplies and Sanitation...................................................... 85 4..5.10Energy and Telecommunications....................................................... 85 4.5.11 Gender Issues...................................................... 85 4.5.12 A esthetics...................................................... 86 4.5.13 Tourism...................................................... 86 4.5.14 Cultural Heritage....................................................... 86 4.5.15 NaturalHazards ...................................................... 86 4.6 RIVERSYSTEMS DOWNSTREAM OF THE PROJECT ........................................................ 87 4.6.1 OrangeRiver (RSA) .8........................................................ 7 4.6.2 Ash River (RSA)........................................................ 88 5. PEOPLE'SPARTICIPATION AND SCOPINGOF PUBLIC OPINION.................................................... 90 5.1 BACKGROUND........................................................... 90 5.2 PARTICIPATIONCONTEXT .......................................................... 90 5.3 PEOPLE'SPERCEPTIONS OF PROJECTIMPACTS AND VIEWS ON REMEDIAL MEASURES . ......................................91 5.4 SUMMARYOF PEOPLE'S PERCEPTIONS .................................................................. 94 5.5 INSTMTUTIONALISATIONOFPEOPLE'S PARTICIPATION ....................... ........................................... 95 6. ENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENT .................................................................. 96 6.1IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS .................................................................. 96 6.2 FUTURESCENARIO WITHOUT PROJECT .................................................................. 96 - ii - Lesotho Fighlands Water Project Phase IB EnvironmentalImpact Assessment 6.3 BENEFITS.................... ................................................................................................ 120 6.3.1 Lccal Benefits ........ ,,,,120 6.3.2 Regional Benefitst122 6.3.3 Benefits.B.ational 123 6.3.4 International Benefits.124 6.4 IM\PACTASSESSMENT.124 6.4{.] Ptysical Environment. ,124/ 6.4.2 AquaticEnvironment .......... ;128 6.4.3 T errestrialEnvironment............................ 134 6.4.4 S ocio BEconomic Env ronm ent1 ........ 1254......................................... 6.4. 5 Other IECss.162 6.4.6 Impacts of Alternative Arrangements - Mfohale Dam.,162 6.4. 7 Seism Acic tivity.6 ....................................... 123, 6.4}.8Impacts of Alternatives 6'vlohale Tunnel).163 6.4.9 Impacts ofAlternatives (AratsontuD-eiveon) D163 6.5 DOWNSTREAM IMPACTS .164 6.5.1 Senqunyane and Senqu River Systems.1 /64 6.5.2 MIatsoku River .177 6.S.3 Orange River ('RS4).180 6.5.4 Ash River (RSA) ........................... 184 6.6 CU&rULATIVEEFFECTS ASSESSMENT .188 6. 6.1 Introduction.188 6.6.2 Phase IB and Cumulative Effects Assessment .189 6.7 ImPACT ASSESSMENTSUMIMARIES .................................................................. 196 6.8 MITIGATIONPOSSIBILrFES.213 6.9 RESIDUALIMPACTS.3 ........................................................... 213 7. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT......................................................218 7. 1 PURPOSEAND IINTENNT ........... .................. ..... ...... ................................................................. ............................... 218 7.2 DESCRIPTION....................................................................................................... 218 7.3 MONITORING..... 218 . .. .. 7.4 PEOPLE'S PARTICIPATIONIN ENVIRONMENTALMANAGEMENT. 219 7.5 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESSPLAN. 219 7.6 TRAINING REQUIREMENTSFOR ENVIRONMENTALMANAGEMENT .220 7.7 CONSTRUCTIONMITIGATION.220 7.8 LHDA OPERATIONAL PHASE - ENVIRONMENTALPROGRAMMING ...................... 220 7.9 LHDA ENvIRONMENTAL SECTOR PROGRAMMING.221 7.9.1 General.221 ............................... 22 7.9.2' Overall Program Management.2213 7.9.3 Resettlement Program .. , 1................. 7.9.4 Compensation Programm22 7.9.5 Devel opmentPrograbm ................................. .............. ........... 22.6.....224 7.9.6 Public
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Katse Vaal Damtothe Damis777 Million M Africaregardlessto South Storage Ofthe V Inthe Dead Storage Reservoir Ofthe Bottom Levelisat1,989 Mandthe Isat1,895M
    KATSE DAM Lesotho NAMIBIA BOTSWANA COORDINATES (degrees, minutes, seconds) LATITUDE LONGITUDE Orange-Senqu 29° 20’ 11” S 28° 30’ 25” E River Basin Katse Dam LESOTHO LOCATION SOUTH AFRICA This dam is situated on the Malibamatso River, which is a tributary of the Senqu River. It is located in Lesotho (landlocked by South Africa) in quaternary catchment D11E. DESCRIPTION The dam is a double curvature concrete arch dam, 1,993 m above sea level. The intake tower is located approximately 18 km north of Katse Dam and has been designed to accommodate 70 m3/s, which was the maximum transfer envisaged for full implementation of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). Katse Dam is connected to the Muela Dam via a 45-km tunnel (Phase I of the LHWP, which was completed in 2005). Phase I of the project also consisted of a 31-km tunnel from the Mohale Reservoir to the Katse Dam. The Mohale–Katse Transfer Tunnel has a maximum capacity of 807.56 million m3/a. The dam has a full supply level of 2,053 m. The dead storage level is at 1,989 m and the bottom of the reservoir is at 1,895 m. PURPOSE Phase I of the LHWP, which was completed in 2005, included the construction of Katse Dam, with the intention of Katse Dam (source: www.jacquesleslie.com) augmenting South Africa’s water supply via a transfer to the Vaal River catchment, through an agreement between South Africa and Lesotho. The maximum long-term transfer volume is 877 million m3/a, and will be transferred to South Africa regardless of the storage in the Vaal or Orange catchments (ORASECOM, 2007a).
    [Show full text]
  • Country Profile – South Africa
    Country profile – South Africa Version 2016 Recommended citation: FAO. 2016. AQUASTAT Country Profile – South Africa. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Rome, Italy The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. The views expressed in this information product are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of FAO. FAO encourages the use, reproduction and dissemination of material in this information product. Except where otherwise indicated, material may be copied, downloaded and printed for private study, research and teaching purposes, or for use in non-commercial products or services, provided that appropriate acknowledgement of FAO as the source and copyright holder is given and that FAO’s endorsement of users’ views, products or services is not implied in any way. All requests for translation and adaptation rights, and for resale and other commercial use rights should be made via www.fao.org/contact-us/licencerequest or addressed to [email protected]. FAO information products are available on the FAO website (www.fao.org/ publications) and can be purchased through [email protected].
    [Show full text]
  • The Lesotho Highlands Water Project and Sustainable Livelihoods Policy Implications for SADC
    BRIEFING NO 22 ● JUNE 2010 BRIEFINGG NR 2 APRIL 2008 The Lesotho Highlands Water Project and Sustainable Livelihoods Policy Implications for SADC Vusi Mashinini Dams have become an increasingly contested terrain in development discourse, prompting the United Nations (UN) to establish the World Commission on Dams (WCD) and adopt its Report in 2000. The bone of contention is whether dams promote or hinder sustainable development and livelihoods of the dam impacted areas and communities; and what needs to be done as mitigation of the dam impacts. This paper uses desktop methodology to explore the experiences of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) on sustainable livelihoods of its dam impacted areas and communi- ties, and suggests policy implications for sustainable development in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The paper concludes that the project failed to promote sus- tainable livelihoods in the dam impacted areas and communities, and proposes that SADC member states should not only make dam policies but enforce them, in order to guarantee that dam impacted areas and communities have better livelihoods. Introduction fi nancial gain. This treaty and the LHWP, which it proposed, were to create profound economic, en- Shortly after conducting a coup d’etat in 1986, the vironmental, social and political ramifi cations in military government in Lesotho unilaterally signed Lesotho, and between Lesotho and South Africa. the Lesotho Highlands Water Treaty (LHWT) of Since its conception and inception, up until today, 1986 with the then apartheid ruled Republic of the LHWP has remained a controversial and heat- South Africa (RSA). Central to this treaty was the edly debated development project in Lesotho.1 agreement that Lesotho would sell water from On its part, the government of Lesotho has its mountain areas to the then RSA in return for relentlessly maintained that the LHWP is the key Vusi Mashinini is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Science at the National University of Lesotho.
    [Show full text]
  • Review of Existing Infrastructure in the Orange River Catchment
    Study Name: Orange River Integrated Water Resources Management Plan Report Title: Review of Existing Infrastructure in the Orange River Catchment Submitted By: WRP Consulting Engineers, Jeffares and Green, Sechaba Consulting, WCE Pty Ltd, Water Surveys Botswana (Pty) Ltd Authors: A Jeleni, H Mare Date of Issue: November 2007 Distribution: Botswana: DWA: 2 copies (Katai, Setloboko) Lesotho: Commissioner of Water: 2 copies (Ramosoeu, Nthathakane) Namibia: MAWRD: 2 copies (Amakali) South Africa: DWAF: 2 copies (Pyke, van Niekerk) GTZ: 2 copies (Vogel, Mpho) Reports: Review of Existing Infrastructure in the Orange River Catchment Review of Surface Hydrology in the Orange River Catchment Flood Management Evaluation of the Orange River Review of Groundwater Resources in the Orange River Catchment Environmental Considerations Pertaining to the Orange River Summary of Water Requirements from the Orange River Water Quality in the Orange River Demographic and Economic Activity in the four Orange Basin States Current Analytical Methods and Technical Capacity of the four Orange Basin States Institutional Structures in the four Orange Basin States Legislation and Legal Issues Surrounding the Orange River Catchment Summary Report TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 6 1.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 6 1.2 Objective of the study ................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • At the Intersection of Neoliberal Development, Scarce Resources, and Human Rights: Enforcing the Right to Water in South Africa Elizabeth A
    Macalester College DigitalCommons@Macalester College International Studies Honors Projects International Studies Department Spring 5-3-2010 At the intersection of neoliberal development, scarce resources, and human rights: Enforcing the right to water in South Africa Elizabeth A. Larson Macalester College, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/intlstudies_honors Part of the African Studies Commons, Human Rights Law Commons, International Law Commons, Nature and Society Relations Commons, Political Economy Commons, and the Water Law Commons Recommended Citation Larson, Elizabeth A., "At the intersection of neoliberal development, scarce resources, and human rights: Enforcing the right to water in South Africa" (2010). International Studies Honors Projects. Paper 10. http://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/intlstudies_honors/10 This Honors Project is brought to you for free and open access by the International Studies Department at DigitalCommons@Macalester College. It has been accepted for inclusion in International Studies Honors Projects by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@Macalester College. For more information, please contact [email protected]. At the intersection of neoliberal development, scarce resources, and human rights: Enforcing the right to water in South Africa Elizabeth A. Larson Honors Thesis Advisor: Professor James von Geldern Department: International Studies Abstract The competing ideals of international human rights and global economic neoliberalism come into conflict when developing countries try to enforce socio- economic rights. This paper explores the intersection of economic globalization and the enforcement of 2 nd generation human rights. The focus of this exploration is the right to water in South Africa, specifically the recent Constitutional Court case Mazibuko v City of Johannesburg .
    [Show full text]
  • An Ecological Study on the Maluti Minnow (Pseudobarbus Quathlambae) in the Catchment Area of Phase Ib of the Lesotho Highland Water Scheme
    COPYRIGHT AND CITATION CONSIDERATIONS FOR THIS THESIS/ DISSERTATION o Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. o NonCommercial — You may not use the material for commercial purposes. o ShareAlike — If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same license as the original. How to cite this thesis Surname, Initial(s). (2012) Title of the thesis or dissertation. PhD. (Chemistry)/ M.Sc. (Physics)/ M.A. (Philosophy)/M.Com. (Finance) etc. [Unpublished]: University of Johannesburg. Retrieved from: https://ujdigispace.uj.ac.za (Accessed: Date). BP.1t/ !JviiJvJv AN ECOLOGICAL STUDY ON THE MALUTI MINNOW (PSEUDOBARBUS QUATHLAMBAE) IN THE CATCHMENT AREA OF PHASE IB OF THE LESOTHO HIGHLAND WATER SCHEME BY JOHANNESLAMBERTUSRALL THESIS SUBMIITED IN FULFILMENT OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ZOOLOGY IN TIlE FACULTY OF SCIENCE AT THE RAND AFRIKAANS UNIVERSITY SUPERVISOR: DR. GJ. STEYN CO-SUPERVISOR: PROF. H.H. DU PREEZ CO·SUPERVISOR: DR. M. l\lAEMA NOVEMBER 1993 Aan my liefdevolle ouers Psalm 121: "Ek slaan my oe op na die berge: waar sal my hulp vandaan kom?" ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS * I would like to express my sincere appreciation towards my supervisors, Dr. GJ. Steyn, Professor Hein H. Du Preez and Dr. M. Maema for support, guidance, encouragement, their professional commitment to conservation and their acknowledgment of the importance of individualism. * We are indebted to our sponsors, Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, Mazda Wildlife Fund, ENGEN, and Endangered Wildlife Trust.
    [Show full text]
  • The Case of Lesotho's Mohale
    African Study Monographs, 31(2): 57-106, July 2010 57 WHO DRIVES RESETTLEMENT? THE CASE OF LESOTHO’S MOHALE DAM Paul DEVITT Hunting-Consult 4 Joint Venture Robert K. HITCHCOCK Department of Geography, Michigan State University ABSTRACT The Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a joint development effort of the governments of Lesotho and South Africa, involved the construction of several large dams and other infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and power lines. The purpose of the dam and water transfer project was to provide water to the Gauteng region of South Africa and electricity to Lesotho. Phase 1B of the project, the Mohale Dam, resulted in the displacement of over 320 households and the inundation of villages, fi elds, and grazing lands. In line with the 1986 Treaty between the governments of Lesotho and South Africa, the project authorities provided compensation for losses suffered and put in place development projects in an effort to promote economic self-suffi ciency. This article assesses the degree to which project-affected people in the Lesotho highlands were actively engaged in planning and decision-making regarding their own resettlement and rehabilitation, and the extent to which public participation contributed to their subsequent welfare. Key Words: Lesotho; Dam project; Resettlement; Compensation; Development; Participation. INTRODUCTION Most large dams are built to provide power or water to people other than those who have to make the sacrifi ces necessary for the dams to be built. The people who lose their land and perhaps their homes, their communities, their jobs, the graves of their ancestors, and the abodes of their spirits seldom enjoy the benefi ts, and suffer many of the inconveniences, of these projects.
    [Show full text]
  • Findings from the Senegal River Basin, the Columbia River Basin, and the Lesotho Highlands Water Project
    Report no. 46456 Africa Region Water Resources Unit Working Paper 1 Benefit Sharing in International Rivers: Public Disclosure Authorized Findings from the Senegal River Basin, the Columbia River Basin, and the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Public Disclosure Authorized November 12, 2008 Public Disclosure Authorized Final Version Winston H. YU The World Bank, Africa Region Sustainable Development Department Public Disclosure Authorized 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Acronyms Acknowledgments Executive Summary I. Introduction .................................................................................................................. 8 Literature Review........................................................................................................ 10 Methodology and Objective ...................................................................................... 11 II. Senegal River Basin ................................................................................................. 12 A. Introduction ........................................................................................................... 12 B. Project Objectives and Description..................................................................... 15 C. Quantifying Economic Benefits and Costs ........................................................ 17 D. Actual Benefits and Costs .................................................................................... 20 E. An Evolving Senegal River .................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Impact Ojf the Lesotho Highlands Water Project in Poverty Alleviation in Lesqtho
    IMPACT OJF THE LESOTHO HIGHLANDS WATER PROJECT IN POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN LESQTHO By LISEMA GLADYS RAMAILI Thesis presented! in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the dlegree of Master of Arts in Publlic and Devellopment Mannagement at the University of Stellernbosch Supervisor: Professor JFanie Cloete Aprill 2006 Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za DECLARAT][ON I, The undersigned hereby declare that the work contained in this thesis is my own original work and that I have not previously in its entirety or in part submitted it at any university for a degree. S 1gnature: Date: ...........................3o- 01- of, . Lisema Gladys Ramaili 11 Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za SUMMARY Poverty in Lesotho is more prevalent in the rural areas that depend on subsistence agriculture as the main source of livelihood, with a limited potential in natural resources. Poverty has social, economic and political connotations that necessitate a multi­ disciplinary approach in any approach towards its alleviation. This study set out to define poverty, establish a comprehensive way of alleviating poverty and ~xamine whether the approach adopted by GOL through the LHDA and other sectors benefits the communities affected by the LHWP and brings about development in the long run. Therefore it was informed by a review of the documented literature, including policy documents, research reports, journal articles and books. This were supplemented by direct personal interviews with 35 respondents consisting of 25 household heads from both the resettled and host communities, and 10 other officers from the institutions that are affecting development in the Phase lB project area.
    [Show full text]
  • A Giant Economic Baby Is in the Have Altered Watersheds That Account for Process of Being Born.” Over 40 Percent of the Country’S Total M.M
    Pipe Dreams The World Bank’s Failed Efforts to Restore Lives and Livelihoods of Dam-Affected People in Lesotho By Ryan Hoover Published 2001 Map of Lesotho Table of Contents Introduction 1 A Lesotho Snapshot 3 Setting the Stage 5 The Damage Done 7 Scattered by the Dam: LHWP Resettlement 17 Replacing What Was Lost: The Compensation Plan 25 Back to the Drawing Board: Experiments in Rural Development 34 Selling the Dream: The Community Participation Strategy 48 Conclusion 54 About IRN 59 Introduction “A giant economic baby is in the have altered watersheds that account for process of being born.” over 40 percent of the country’s total M.M. Lebotsa, Minister of Lesotho Highlands area. Water and Energy Affairs Not only is Lesotho a small country, it is The Lesotho Highlands Water Project also one of the world’s poorest. Lesotho (LHWP) is the most massive infra- is landlocked and totally enveloped by structure project ever constructed on the its large, economically powerful African continent. It involves six large neighbor, South Africa. Its geographic dams, which, if completed, will transfer position, combined with the relative the equivalent of one swimming pool dearth of natural resources within its full of water every second (over 70 cubic borders and its long history as a South meters) to South Africa’s industrial African labor reserve, make Lesotho center, Gauteng Province, and supply almost completely economically 72MW of hydroelectricity to Lesotho. dependent on South Africa. The country Katse Dam, the first dam to be com- has one of the ten highest income pleted in the scheme, is the tallest dam in disparities in the world, which means the Africa at 186 meters – the size of a 52- majority of its 2.1 million citizens story building.
    [Show full text]
  • Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2 Is in Full Steam
    INTERNET ARTICLE Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2 is in full steam. 6 August 2015 The Lesotho Highlands Water Project is an ongoing water supply project which comprises a hydropower component in Lesotho, and a system of several large dams and tunnels throughout Lesotho and South Africa. In Lesotho it involves the rivers of Malibamatso, Matsoku, Senqunyane and Senqu. In South Africa, it involves the Vaal River. It is Africa's largest water transfer scheme. The purpose of the project is to provide Lesotho with a source of income in exchange for the provision of water to South Africa, as well as to generate hydro-electric power for Lesotho. The phase 1A of the project was completed in 1998. It consisted mainly of the construction of the Katse Dam on the Malibamatso River in Lesotho. The phase 1B of the project was completed in 2002. It consisted mainly of the construction of the Mohale Dam, a very large rockfill dam, located on the Senqunyane River. There is also a transfer tunnel between Mohale Dam and the Katse reservoir. The system is interconnected in such a way that water may be transferred in either direction for storage in Mohale Dam or ultimate transfer to South Africa through the Katse reservoir. The second phase of the LHWP was launched in March 2014 by President Jacob Zuma and King Letsie the 3rd, a bi-national project between Lesotho and South Africa. The RSA Minister of Water and Sanitation, Nomvula Mokonyane, on her recent trip to Lesotho in August 2015 announced that Phase Two of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project is in full steam.
    [Show full text]
  • Second State Of
    Second State of the Environment 2002 Report Lesotho Lesotho Second State of the Environment Report 2002 Authors: Chaba Mokuku, Tsepo Lepono, Motlatsi Mokhothu Thabo Khasipe and Tsepo Mokuku Reviewer: Motebang Emmanuel Pomela Published by National Environment Secretariat Ministry of Tourism, Environment & Culture Government of Lesotho P.O. Box 10993, Maseru 100, Lesotho ISBN 99911-632-6-0 This document should be cited as Lesotho Second State of the Environment Report for 2002. Copyright © 2004 National Environment Secretariat. All rights reserved. No parts of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher. Design and production by Pheko Mathibeli, graphic designer, media practitioner & chartered public relations practitioner Set in Century Gothic, Premium True Type and Optima Lesotho, 2002 3 Contents List of Tables 8 Industrial Structure: Sectoral Composition 34 List of Figures 9 Industrial Structure: Growth Rates 36 List of Plates 10 Population Growth 37 Acknowledgements 11 Rural to Urban Migration 37 Foreword 12 Incidence of Poverty 38 Executive Summary 14 Inappropriate Technologies 38 State and impacts: trends 38 Introduction 24 Human Development Trends 38 Poverty and Income Distribution 44 Socio-Economic and Cultural Environment. 26 Agriculture and Food Security 45 People, Economy and Development Ensuring Long and Healthy Lives 46 Socio-Economic Dimension 26 Ensuring
    [Show full text]