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.
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