3.5 - Lesotho

Question 1

Name of the project and who it’s with

Answer 1

Lesotho Highland Water Project

With S Africa

Question 2

What does the project involve doing?

Answer 2

Reversing flow of Orange River into the Vaal River for S Africa

Question 3

Effect on pastures and agricultural land?

Answer 3

3400ha lost and over 50% of population rely on informal farming, reducing crops, income, local economy

Question 4

Effect on erosion?

Answer 4

40% of Orange River diverted into Vaal increased river bank erosion as speed has also fastened

Question 5

Effect on eutrophication of Orange River?

Answer 5

Orange River is less diluted so higher concentration of pollutants e.g. nitrates
So more deoxygenation

Question 6

Effect on biodiversity

Answer 6

Habitat areas threatened

Trout migrating to these areas, increasing extinction risk

Question 7

Lesotho government have gained how much in royalties?

Answer 7

$80m = >25% of total revenue

Question 8

Reversing flow of river allows

Answer 8

HEP generation using the dams

Question 9

Lesotho can now export what

Answer 9

Generate enough electricity from HEP to export excess

Question 10

Economic benefits?

Answer 10

Infrastructure improvements (schools, roads, water)
7000 jobs made

Question 11

The project has been plagued by what?

Answer 11

Corruption and bribery

2 engineering firms convicted of latter

Question 12

Social costs?

Answer 12

325 homes permanently relocated
Slow, inadequate compensation
Poor still haven’t been benefitted and can’t afford high water costs