PROJECT # 0010

Lesotho Highlands Hydropower Project (Phase II of LHWP)

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is a multi-phased project to provide water to the Gauteng region of South Africa and to generate hydro-electricity for Lesotho. The project entails harnessing the waters of the Senqu/Orange River in the Lesotho highlands through the construction of a series of dams. It was established by the 1986 Treaty signed by both governments. A complementary Agreement was signed in 2011 in relation to Phase II of the project. Phase I of the project was completed in 2003 and inaugurated in 2004; Phase II is currently underway. Based on the feasibility studies already undertaken, the hydropower generation project is to be located at Oxbow, Lesotho.