Lesotho Government to Review the Long Overdue Lesotho Highlands Water Project Treaty
The government of Lesotho has announced plans to undertake a long-overdue review of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Treaty, a move aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the project and enhancing its benefits for the people of Lesotho.
The 1986 LHWP Treaty, signed between Lesotho and South Africa, governs the massive water transfer scheme that supplies South Africa with water while generating hydroelectric power for Lesotho. Under the terms of the treaty, a review is required every 12 years. However, the last formal review was not completed, making the upcoming reassessment a critical step in addressing issues related to the project’s implementation and impact.
During her recent budget presentation, Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane emphasized the importance of renegotiating aspects of the treaty to secure a better deal for Lesotho. She highlighted the need to ensure that the project remains sustainable and that it continues to improve the livelihoods of Basotho.
The LHWP has long been regarded as a key economic asset for Lesotho, bringing revenue from water sales and providing hydroelectric power. However, concerns have been raised over whether the current agreement adequately benefits Lesotho in terms of financial returns, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs for affected communities.
Stakeholders anticipate that the review process will address these concerns and lead to a more equitable arrangement that maximizes Lesotho’s gains from its vital water resources. The government’s commitment to this review signals its intent to push for adjustments that prioritize national interests and the well-being of its citizens.
As Lesotho embarks on this critical negotiation, the outcome of the treaty review could have far-reaching implications for the country’s economic development and regional water cooperation.
