Lesotho Flashcards

1
Q

What is the LHWP?

A
  • Lesotho Highlands Water Plan
  • Treaty between SA and Lesotho signed in 1986
  • aims to reverse southerly flow of Senqu and Orange rivers, redirect to Vaal River in SA
  • Waters ends up in Gauteng Industrial region of SA
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2
Q

What structures are part of the LHWP?

A
  • 5 dams
    -200km of pipelines
  • water pumping stations
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3
Q

What are the positives of the LHWP?

A
  • South Africa pays Lesotho royalties for the use of its water
  • This is then invested in school, roads and enhancing the local water supply
  • Reducing the river flow in Lesotho reduces the risk of flooding in Lesotho river basins
  • Lesotho is provided with 90MW of HEP from dams
  • 7000 jobs were created by the project’s construction and maintenance
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4
Q

What are the advantages of treaties?

A
  • have the potential to protect smaller stakeholders concerns
  • prevents unequal power relationships from existing
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5
Q

What are the downsides of the LHWP?

A
  • $8 bn spent on the project
  • Maloti minnow is endangered, habitats are threatened by damming
  • allows trout to move into their habitats
  • may go extinct due to this
  • Diversion of river results in ~60% drop in water flow from source
  • results in river having higher concentrations of polluted discharge
  • larger risk of stagnation thus eutrophication and deoxygenation of water
  • 30 000 people were affected by construction work
  • 325 households relocated
  • 3400 ha of pastures was lost
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6
Q

Why does Lesotho have so much water?

A
  • Lies 1000m above sea level
  • relief rainfall on landscape
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7
Q

What is the economic state of Lesotho?

A
  • 40% of population lives below poverty line
  • > $1.25/day
  • 50% rely on informal farming as opportunities are limited
  • Males seek mining work in SA and send remittances back home
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