Lesotho highland water project

Question 1

Background info on Lesotho.

Answer 1

it has a population Population of 2 million and
400,000 of those people do not have access to clean water

Question 2

Give background info on Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

Answer 2

• the Surplus water will be exported to South Africa’s Gauteng region
• the project Began in 1988
• 40% of the Orange River will be diverted to be used for the project

Question 3

Positive Impacts:

Answer 3

• the project is Economically sustainable - estimated only 20 years to overcome debt
• Generates almost 100% of Lesotho’s requirements - irrigation projects and improved qaulity of life
• 100s of kilometres of tarred roads built to improve communication
• the project will create Temporary jobs for 4000 people

Question 4

Negative Impacts:

Answer 4

• Phase 1 of the project displaced 20,000 people and the compensation they were given was insufficient
• Flooding from the new dams threatened 149 of local alpine flora (destroying entire ecosystems)
• Pressure from water causes earthquakes