A feasibility study for the second phase of the multibillion-dollar Lesotho highlands water project will begin at the end of April, Lesotho’s natural resources minister said on Monday.
”We are expecting to get proposals for the study by the end of February and the work will start at the end of April. South African and Lesotho consultants, who will form joint ventures, will undertake the study, said Mamphono Khaketla.
The study — funded by both governments — is expected to take two years, after which ”a decision will be made on the future of the project by the two governments,” she said.
Lesotho Highlands Water Project sells water to the Gauteng province in South Africa. Lesotho and South Africa signed the treaty establishing the project in 1986.
Phase two of the project entails the construction of the Mashai dam in the highlands of Lesotho. If constructed, it will be the largest dam in the entire project. It will supply water to the Katse dam through a 30km tunnel.
Phase one of the project consists of the Katse dam that supplies water to the Mohale dam through a 32km tunnel. In turn Mohale dam supplies water to the Muela dam through an 82km tunnel.
From Muela, the water is delivered to South Africa.
King Letsie III of Lesotho and President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa jointly inaugurated phase one of the project in 2004. – Sapa