Actual versus Predicted Transboundary Impact: A Case Study of Phase 1B of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project

Abstract

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project was initiated in 1986 as a result of discussions between the governments of the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of South Africa (SA) that, together with feasibility studies, had commenced in the early 1950s. The project targeted the Senqu River, which originates in the Lesotho Highlands, merges with the Orange River in South Africa, and drains into the Atlantic Ocean, creating a natural border between Namibia and South Africa. Four riparian states, including Botswana, rely heavily on the Sengu's water for development. The multi-donor billion-dollar project consisted of two initial phases, 1A and 1B. No impact assessment was conducted for Phase 1A. As a result of international critique, lessons learned and the involvement of the World Bank, Phase 1B considered all possible environmental, social and economic impacts. The full-scale EIA recognized, but did not fully consider, transboundary impacts, which were only addressed through the commissioning of an In-stream Flow Requirement (IFR) study in 2000, once the project commenced.

Notes

1. The World Bank (US$75 million), Development Bank of Southern Africa (SADB), European Union (EU), European Investment Bank (EIB), and Overseas Development Aid (ODA).

2. Previously known as the Joint Permanent Technical Committee (JPTC).

3. Baseline Biology Survey and Reserve Development.

4. Downstream Response to Imposed Flow Transformations.