LESOTHO WATER CASE STUDY

Question 1

AIMS OF LESOTHO HIGHLANDS WATER PROJECT

Answer 1

• Provide Lesotho with it’s own, reliable water supply through rivers
• Supply water to South Africa, as they are in a water deficit, which causes better transport links and relations

Question 2

LOCATION

Answer 2

• Lesotho is located in the SE region of South Africa
• Neighboured by SWAZILAND, NAMIBIA and ZIMBABWE

Question 3

WHY DOES LESOTHO HAVE A WATER SURPLUS?

Answer 3

• High levels of precipitation from Sep-Feb (152mm maximum)
• Large bi-annual temperature, peaking at 17C in January to 5C in June –> Less evaporation
• West Coast of Lesotho receives ~1200mm yearly of rainfall due to higher relief (air rises over Lesotho Highlands)

Question 4

IMPACTS

Answer 4

✔ More jobs for locals
✔ Increased revenue stream
✔ More transport links

✘ Conflict of land use by landowners
✘ Can displace people from their homes