LESOTHO COLLECTS MILLIONS FOR WATER TRANSFER INTO SOUTH AFRICA--MAPETLA
  The Acting Chief Executive of the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) Mr. Ramosehlana Mapetla has revealed that a total of M16 Billion has been used to complete Phase 1a and 1b of the project. Speaking at a Press Briefing session held at LHDA Boardroom in Maseru on Friday, Mr. Mapetla noted that the two phases entail the construction of Katse and Mohale Dams, as well as tunnels that transmit water from Mohale to Katse and from Katse to Muela Hydro Power station in Butha-Buthe.

He indicated that even though LHDA has used a huge amount of money to complete phase 1a and 1b, the project has since benefited Basotho, adding that since the completion of Katse dam in 1998, Lesotho has collected an amount of M973 million from water transfer into South Africa. Mr. Mapetla explained that funds collected from the LHDA are being utilized by government in its endeavor for community development as well as in its other day-to-day engagements.

Addressing the issue of retrenchment as the construction of Mohale Dam comes to an end, Mr. Mapetla said a thousand Basotho will be retrenched as what they were employed to do has been achieved, clarifying that however, LHDA is yet to employ more Basotho who will be responsible for the well-being of the constructed dams.
He pointed out negotiations are underway between the two governments of Lesotho and South Africa to kick start phase 2 of the project, which will be the construction of Mashai dam, adding that until an agreement is reached, people will have to await the re- employment for dam construction.

Mr. Mapetla further noted that although the LHDA has had negative impacts on the community such as that of resettlement, it has worked hard to ease the pains of those affected by offering them compensation, be it of re-building houses or giving out money for destroyed assets. He concluded by clarifying that as Phase 1b completes, LHDA administration will remain in office until the four phases of the project are completed,
saying that clinics and schools that were constructed for  LHDA employees will be taken by respective government ministries for public use.  

At the occasion, Mr. Motsamai Rafoneke, an Engineer in the Department of Electricity and transfer of water to South Africa said LHDA is currently working concurrently with ESCOM of South Africa to distribute electricity between the two countries, mentioning that however, preparations are at an advanced stage to ensure that Muela Hydro power becomes independent of Escom. He mentioned that at that stage, each Mosotho will benefit, for there will be enough electricity for all throughout the country.

09 August,2002

 

  SOURCE: LENA