A feasibility study agreement on Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project between Lesotho and South Africa is expected to be signed at the end of a meeting of Ministers responsible for water resources in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa at the Mohale Dam on September 22.

The four, will discuss developments and progress made by the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) since its formation in November 2000, according to a statement from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Also under discussion will be the possible establishment of a formal relationship between the ORASECOM Secretariat; the Watercourses States, the South African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat and the African Ministerial Council on Water (AMCOW).

The Minister of Natural Resources of Lesotho, Dr. 'Mamphono Khaketla and her South African counterpart, the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, Mrs. Buyelwa Sonjica will sign the agreement on the establishment of the study on behalf of their governments.

The study is expected to start in October 2005 and will take two years to complete.  

Consult 4 International in partnership with Senqu Engineering, Environment and Development Consultants (SEED CONSULT) have been awarded the contract to carry out the study.

20 September 2005