Lesotho & South Africa

• Lesotho

  • In Southern Africa and is surrounded by South Africa.
  • Has a water surplus, as it rains a lot.
  • Has lots of poverty, few resources and food insecurity
• South Africa

  • Has a water deficit
  • Is richer than Lesotho
• Lesotho Highland Water project

  • A huge water transfer scheme.
  • Took 30 years to complete and cost $4 billion.
  • 200 km of pipes altogether
• Advantages for Lesotho:

  • Provides 75% of countries GDP
  • Supplies country with HEP
• Disadvantages for Lesotho:

  • Corruption has prevented money from reaching those affected by the construction
  • 30,000 people had to move
  • Destruction of wetland ecosystem, due to regular flooding from dams
• Advantage for South Africa:

  • Provides safe water for 10% of the population which didn't have access to safe water supply
  • Reduces water acidity in Vaal river, which was polluted by mining, industry and sewage
• Disadvantages for South Africa:

  • Costs $4 billion
  • Increase in water tariffs
  • 40% of water is lost through leakage