Over M130 million Paid to Lesotho by RSA as Royalties 

Lesotho has received over M130 million between 1994 and 1996 as royalties from South Africa as per provisions of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Treaty. 

This emerged during question time in the National Assembly on April 26 when Basotholand Congress Party (BAC) Member of Parliament, Mr. Molapo Qhobela wanted to know the exact amount paid by  South Africa in accordance with the provisions of the Highlands Water Project Treaty of 1986 since 1994/5/6. 

The Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, Dr. 'Mamphono Khaketla, on behalf of the Minister of Natural Resources, said M130, 514,223.00 had been paid during that period. 

Two big dams, the Katse and Mohale, supply water to South Africa in an agreement reached under the Treaty. The two governments have also agreed to undertake a joint feasibility study for a possible Phase Two of the Project to go ahead at Mashai in the Thaba Tseka district.

26 April 2004