Friday, August 29, 2014

Lesotho Making Billions Selling Water to South Africa

Even though Lesotho has high debt levels and high unemployment, it is raking in billions by selling water to South Africa. South Africa gets water from the landlocked mountainous kingdom through a series of tunnels and dams given that Lesotho receives 60 percent more rain than its neighbor. This transfer is accomplished through a series of rivers which include the Malibamatso, Matsoku, Senqunyane and Senqu, while in in South Africa it involves the Vaal River. This water transfer is said to be Africa's largest water trade scheme.

There is a signed Treaty between the two governments which sets out the structures required to implement the water transfer Project on behalf of the two governments, through an implementing management structure known as the Lesotho Highlands Water Project will also generate hydro-electric power.

For more details click here.