-
Zimbabwe sugar workers demand 100-percent increment - April 22, 2019
-
Closing Africa’s IT security skills gap - 3 hours ago
-
Perfumania celebrates Avon’s top seller status - 16 hours ago
-
Liberia: Report clears opposition leader of criminal charge - 1 day ago
-
Strong field for Spar women’s Grand Prix - 1 day ago
-
Germany, SA differences on Russia-Ukraine war retained - 2 days ago
-
Star lineup for Youtube’s Africa Day concert - 2 days ago
-
Africa joins forces on elephant management - 2 days ago
-
Xenophobia: Civil society demands action against SA - May 24, 2022
-
Ramaphosa proposes dialogue to end racism - May 23, 2022
-
Tech, innovation fuel Africa’s economic growth - May 23, 2022
Anger over Lesotho project to supply water to SA
from TSOANELO MOKHAHLANE in Maseru, Lesotho
MASERU, (CAJ News) – THE construction of a Lesotho dam to supply water to South Africa has lurched into crisis after it emerged nearly 8 000 people face the loss of their homes or livelihoods when construction begins.
Human rights groups have called for the construction of the Polihali Dam project thus to be halted until affected communities in the northeast Mokhotlong district have been properly consulted and compensated.
Amnesty International said some people to be displaced to make way for the dam had given as little as the equivalent of slightly more than US$1 (R14,75) as compensation for being resettled around Mokhotlong.
“This is not enough to buy even a loaf of bread,” said Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International’s director for East and Southern Africa.
The activist lamented that people were already being moved out of their homes for resettlement.
Others reportedly face losing grazing land for their animals, or the loss of wild fruits and medicinal plants from which they earn a living.
Lawyers representing affected villagers argue the Lesotho government-owned Highlands Development Authority (HDA) has failed to adequately consult and compensate residents ahead of the construction.
The Polihali Dam, which is part of the second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, could result in thousands of people from about 35 villages losing their homes and livelihoods.
The water project comprises a system of several large dams and tunnels throughout Lesotho delivering water to South Africa’s Vaal River System.
“South Africa, which will benefit from the new water supply, also has an obligation to ensure that the project complies with human rights while pursuing this water deal,” Muchena said.
– CAJ News