HIGHLAND WTR.I

closed

The project is the phase 1A of a 30-year scheme to export water from Lesotho to the industrial heartland of the Republic of South Africa (RSA). It includes the following facilities to permit water transfer and install 72 MW capacity of hydropower: (i) a 182 meter-high concrete arch dam at Katse; (ii) 48 kms of tunnels to transfer the stored water from Katse to 'Muela; (iii) a 72 MW hydro power plant (with 120 km of transmission lines to Maseru) and a 55 meter-high concrete gravity arch dam at 'Muela; (iv) a 16 km delivery tunnel from 'Muela to the crossover point into RSA; and (v) 200 kms of access roads, including two bridges and other infrastructure facilities. The project also includes environmental protection measures, compensation and resettlement, construction supervision, technical assistance, road maintenance, improved border crossing facilities and studies to prepare the next phase (1B) of the scheme. An important element of the project is the creation of a development fund for channelling project revenues (royalties and other project related payments) to development-oriented programs.