Water: Lesotho Highland Water Project

Question 1

SPR

Answer 1

• 40% of the water from the River Segu will be transferred to the Vaal River, which supplies Johannesburg
• it will take 30 years to construct - the scheme involves dams, reservoirs, pipeline etc

Question 2

Advantages for Lesotho

Answer 2

• largest transfer scheme in Africa - boost lesothos economy by 75%
• dams can provide hydroelectric power which lesothos towns can use
• improved roads + infrastructure alongside pipelines

Question 3

Disadvantage for Lesotho

Answer 3

• 30,000 local residents have already been forced out of there homes to build reservoirs and dams
• wetlands have been destroyed to build dams, which are part of lesothos natural water cycle - destroyed water storage possibly effecting the amount of water locals receive

Question 4

Advantages for South Africa

Answer 4

• water can be bought to Johannesburg’s growing population - stopping dehydration + improving sanitation
• clean water is counteracting the pollution + sewage polluting the River Vaal - impacting locals health

Question 5

Disadvantages for South Africa

Answer 5

• South Africa has to pay for water - could possibly cause inequality and corruption, meaning the poorer families may not be able to afford clean water