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Lesotho Large-Scale Water Transfer Scheme Case Study

AQA GCSE Geography > Resource Management > Lesotho Large-Scale Water Transfer Scheme Case Study

Lesotho Large-scale Water Transfer Scheme Case Study

Lesotho is a landlocked country within the interior of South Africa, in southern Africa. It is distinguished by its mountainous topography and status as the only nation to be entirely above 1,000 meters in elevation. Its capital and largest city is Maseru. Lesotho is also known as the “Kingdom in the Sky” due to its high altitude—it has the highest lowest point of any country in the world. The country has a constitutional monarchy and gained independence from Britain in 1966.

The country experiences high poverty levels and struggles to feed its growing population. Most farms are subsistence, and productivity is low. It is economically dependent on South Africa.

Lesotho is a low-income country (LIC) and several problems limit the country’s development :

• The country faces frequent dry spells, leading to droughts and food shortages. This can cause famine.
• Lesotho’s government and politics are still developing, which impacts the economy’s growth. Lesotho is one of the worst countries in the world for wealth inequality. Some profit from diamond mining , whereas others remain unemployed and impoverished.

To address these inequalities, the government decided in 2004 to trade surplus water with neighbouring South Africa to improve its economy and development.

What is the Lesotho Highland Water Project?

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is a large-scale water transfer scheme where water is diverted from the highlands of Lesotho to South Africa’s Free State and the greater Johannesburg area, which desperately needs water. This is mainly due to these regions’ rapidly growing population and industrial demands.

The project includes the construction of dams, reservoirs, and tunnels designed to capture the headwaters of the Senqu/Orange River in Lesotho and transfer it to South Africa.

A Map of the Lesotho Highland Water Project

On completion, 40 per cent of the water from the Segu (Orange) River in Lesotho will be transferred to the River Vaal in South Africa. The scheme is expected to take 30 years to complete.

The main features of the scheme include:

• The Katse and Mohale Dams (completed in 1998 and 2002) store water transferred through a tunnel to the Mohale Reservoir .
• Water is then transported to South Africa through a 32km tunnel, enabling hydroelectric power to be produced at the Muela plant.
• The 165m high Polihali Dam will hold 2.2 billion m3 of water and connect to the Katse Dam by a 38km transfer tunnel.
• The Tsoelike Dam will be built at the confluence of the Tsolike and Senqu Rivers and will store up to 2223 million m3.
• The Ntoahae Dam and pumping station will be built 40km downstream from the Tsoelike Dam on the Senqu River.

When complete, 200km of tunnels will transfer 2000 million m3 of water to South Africa annually.

Why is the Lethoso Highland Water Project needed?:

• South Africa’s Demand: South Africa has an ever-increasing demand for water due to urbanisation, economic growth, and a relatively dry climate.
• Economic Benefits for Lesotho: Lesotho sees this as an opportunity to generate revenue by selling water, which can be used for the country’s development.
• Environmental Conservation : The project provides a clean and sustainable source of water for South Africa

The Katse Dam

Advantages for Lesotho:

• Economic Development : The project generates significant revenue for Lesotho, boosting its economy. It will provide 75% of its GDP. The income helps develop and improve standards of living.
• Energy production: The scheme will provide Lesotho with all its HEP requirements.
• Job Creation: It has created thousands of jobs for the local population during construction.
• Infrastructure Development: The project has led to the development of infrastructure such as roads and communication networks with access roads built to the construction sites.
• Improved Water Supply: Some areas of Lesotho benefit from improved water supply systems due to the project. Water supply will reach 90% of the population of the capital, Maseru.
• Improved Sanitation: Sanitation coverage will increase from 15% to 20%.

Advantages for South Africa:

• Water Security : It provides a critical water source for South Africa’s industrial heartland.
• Safe Water: Provides safe water for the 10% of the population without access to a safe supply.
• Economic Growth: Water is essential for sustaining economic activity in the Gauteng Province.
• Drought Mitigation: It helps mitigate the effects of periodic droughts in the region. It provides water to an area with an uneven rainfall pattern and regular droughts.
• Ecosystem Improvement: Freshwater reduces the acidity of the Vaal River Reservoir. Water pollution from industry, sewage, and gold mines destroyed the local ecosystem . The influx of fresh water is restoring the balance.

Disadvantages for Lesotho:

• Displacement: Communities have been displaced by the construction of the reservoirs. The construction of the first two dams meant 30000 people had to move from their land. The construction of the Polihali Dam will displace 17 villages and reduce agricultural land for 71 villages.
• Environmental Impact : There has been an impact on local ecosystems, including the destruction of a unique wetland, due to the control of regular flooding downstream of the dams.
• Corruption: Corruption has prevented money and investment from reaching those affected by the construction.
• Dependency: An over-reliance on revenues from water sales to South Africa may make Lesotho economically vulnerable.

Disadvantages for South Africa:

• Cost: The water cost is significant and must be borne by the South African government and, ultimately, the consumers. Costs are likely to reach US$4 billion.
• Leakages: 40% of water is lost due to leaks.
• Inequality: The increased water tariffs for the scheme are too high for the poorest people.
• Political Dependence: There is a reliance on Lesotho for a critical resource, which could lead to political challenges.
• Potential for Conflict: As water becomes an increasingly scarce resource, the potential for conflict over water rights could arise.

The LHWP is an example of a transboundary water resource management project with complex implications for both nations. It’s a balancing act between meeting the water needs of a growing population and economy in South Africa and managing the socio-economic and environmental impacts on Lesotho.

Despite the project not being complete, the Lesotho government has agreed to develop a second transfer scheme with Botswana. This could lead to an increase in Lesotho’s economic and political power in the future.

Geographic Overview

Lesotho, known as the “Kingdom in the Sky,” is a mountainous, landlocked country entirely above 1,000 meters, encircled by South Africa.

Economic Context

Lesotho is economically dependent on its neighbour, with subsistence farming prevalent, but faces high poverty and food supply challenges.

Lesotho Highlands Water Project

A massive water transfer initiative, the LHWP diverts water from Lesotho to South Africa’s Free State and Johannesburg, catering to their growing demand.

Infrastructure Developments

The project includes the construction of major dams like Katse and Mohale, a hydroelectric power plant at Muela, and extensive tunnel systems for water transfer.

Benefits to Lesotho

Significant revenue boost contributing to 75% of GDP, energy self-sufficiency, job creation, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced water and sanitation access.

Benefits to South Africa

Ensures water security , supports economic activities in key provinces, mitigates drought effects, and improves local ecosystems with freshwater influx.

Challenges and Costs

It involves community displacement and environmental changes in Lesotho, while South Africa faces high costs, water leakages, and potential political dependency issues.

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Case Study: Lesotho Highland Water Project

The lesotho highland water project.

The Lesotho Highland Water Project is an example of a large-scale water transfer scheme. This project aims to solve the water shortage in South Africa.

How will the project work?

• 40% of the water from the Segu River in Lesotho will be transferred into the River Vaal in South Africa.
• The project plans to achieve this by using a combination of dams, reservoirs, pipelines, roads and bridges.

What are the impacts on Lesotho?

• Contributes 75% of Lesotho's GDP
• Provides hydro-electric power and improves sanitation
• 30,000 people had to move to make way for the first two dams
• The wetland ecosystem has been damaged
• Money that should have been used for compensation has disappeared due to corruption

What are the impacts on South Africa?

• Improves water security
• Reduces acidity of the Vaal River Reservoir
• Improves access to safe water
• Likely to cost US$4 billion
• 40% of water is lost through leaks
• Corruption has been a major issue

1 The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1 Natural Hazards

1.1.1 Types of Natural Hazards

1.1.2 Hazard Risk

1.1.3 Consequences of Natural Hazards

1.1.4 End of Topic Test - Natural Hazards

1.1.5 Exam-Style Questions - Natural Hazards

1.2 Tectonic Hazards

1.2.1 Tectonic Plates

1.2.2 Tectonic Plates & Convection Currents

1.2.3 Plate Margins

1.2.4 Volcanoes

1.2.5 Effects of Volcanoes

1.2.6 Responses to Volcanic Eruptions

1.2.7 Earthquakes

1.2.8 Earthquakes 2

1.2.9 Responses to Earthquakes

1.2.10 Case Studies: The L'Aquila & Kashmir Earthquakes

1.2.11 Earthquake Case Study: Chile 2010

1.2.12 Earthquake Case Study: Nepal 2015

1.2.13 Living with Tectonic Hazards 1

1.2.14 Living with Tectonic Hazards 2

1.2.15 End of Topic Test - Tectonic Hazards

1.2.16 Exam-Style Questions - Tectonic Hazards

1.2.17 Tectonic Hazards - Statistical Skills

1.3 Weather Hazards

1.3.1 Global Atmospheric Circulation

1.3.2 Surface Winds

1.3.3 UK Weather Hazards

1.3.4 Tropical Storms

1.3.5 Features of Tropical Storms

1.3.6 Impact of Tropical Storms 1

1.3.7 Impact of Tropical Storms 2

1.3.8 Tropical Storms Case Study: Katrina

1.3.9 Tropical Storms Case Study: Haiyan

1.3.10 UK Weather Hazards Case Study: Somerset 2014

1.3.11 End of Topic Test - Weather Hazards

1.3.12 Exam-Style Questions - Weather Hazards

1.3.13 Weather Hazards - Statistical Skills

1.4 Climate Change

1.4.1 Evidence for Climate Change

1.4.2 Causes of Climate Change

1.4.3 Effects of Climate Change

1.4.4 Managing Climate Change

1.4.5 End of Topic Test - Climate Change

1.4.6 Exam-Style Questions - Climate Change

1.4.7 Climate Change - Statistical Skills

2 The Living World

2.1 Ecosystems

2.1.1 Ecosystems

2.1.2 Ecosystem Cascades & Global Ecosystems

2.1.3 Ecosystem Case Study: Freshwater Ponds

2.2 Tropical Rainforests

2.2.1 Tropical Rainforests - Intro & Interdependence

2.2.2 Adaptations

2.2.3 Biodiversity of Tropical Rainforests

2.2.4 Deforestation

2.2.5 Case Study: Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest

2.2.6 Sustainable Management of Rainforests

2.2.7 Case Study: Malaysian Rainforest

2.2.8 End of Topic Test - Tropical Rainforests

2.2.9 Exam-Style Questions - Tropical Rainforests

2.2.10 Deforestation - Statistical Skills

2.3 Hot Deserts

2.3.1 Overview of Hot Deserts

2.3.2 Biodiversity & Adaptation to Hot Deserts

2.3.3 Case Study: Sahara Desert

2.3.4 Desertification

2.3.5 Case Study: Thar Desert

2.3.6 End of Topic Test - Hot Deserts

2.3.7 Exam-Style Questions - Hot Deserts

2.4 Tundra & Polar Environments

2.4.1 Overview of Cold Environments

2.4.2 Adaptations in Cold Environments

2.4.3 Biodiversity in Cold Environments

2.4.4 Case Study: Alaska

2.4.5 Sustainable Management

2.4.6 Case Study: Svalbard

2.4.7 End of Topic Test - Tundra & Polar Environments

2.4.8 Exam-Style Questions - Cold Environments

3 Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1 The UK Physical Landscape

3.1.1 The UK Physical Landscape

3.2 Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.2.1 Types of Wave

3.2.2 Weathering & Mass Movement

3.2.3 Processes of Erosion & Wave-Cut Platforms

3.2.4 Headlands, Bays, Caves, Arches & Stacks

3.2.5 Transportation

3.2.6 Deposition

3.2.7 Spits, Bars & Sand Dunes

3.2.8 Case Study: Landforms on the Dorset Coast

3.2.9 Types of Coastal Management 1

3.2.10 Types of Coastal Management 2

3.2.11 Coastal Management Case Study - Holderness

3.2.12 Coastal Management Case Study: Swanage

3.2.13 Coastal Management Case Study - Lyme Regis

3.2.14 End of Topic Test - Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.2.15 Exam-Style Questions - Coasts

3.3 River Landscapes in the UK

3.3.1 The River Valley

3.3.2 River Valley Case Study - River Tees

3.3.3 Erosion

3.3.4 Transportation & Deposition

3.3.5 Waterfalls, Gorges & Interlocking Spurs

3.3.6 Meanders & Oxbow Lakes

3.3.7 Floodplains & Levees

3.3.8 Estuaries

3.3.9 Case Study: The River Clyde

3.3.10 River Management

3.3.11 Hard & Soft Flood Defences

3.3.12 River Management Case Study - Boscastle

3.3.13 River Management Case Study - Banbury

3.3.14 End of Topic Test - River Landscapes in the UK

3.3.15 Exam-Style Questions - Rivers

3.4 Glacial Landscapes in the UK

3.4.1 Erosion

3.4.2 Landforms Caused by Erosion

3.4.3 Landforms Caused by Transportation & Deposition

3.4.4 Snowdonia

3.4.5 Land Use in Glaciated Areas

3.4.6 Tourism in Glacial Landscapes

3.4.7 Case Study - Lake District

3.4.8 End of Topic Test - Glacial Landscapes in the UK

3.4.9 Exam-Style Questions - Glacial Landscapes

4 Urban Issues & Challenges

4.1 Urban Issues & Challenges

4.1.1 Urbanisation

4.1.2 Urbanisation Case Study: Lagos

4.1.3 Urbanisation Case Study: Rio de Janeiro

4.1.4 UK Cities

4.1.5 Case Study: Urban Regen Projects - Manchester

4.1.6 Case Study: Urban Change in Liverpool

4.1.7 Case Study: Urban Change in Bristol

4.1.8 Sustainable Urban Life

4.1.9 End of Topic Test - Urban Issues & Challenges

4.1.10 Exam-Style Questions - Urban Issues & Challenges

4.1.11 Urban Issues -Statistical Skills

5 The Changing Economic World

5.1 The Changing Economic World

5.1.1 Measuring Development

5.1.2 Classifying Countries Based on Wealth

5.1.3 The Demographic Transition Model

5.1.4 Physical & Historical Causes of Uneven Development

5.1.5 Economic Causes of Uneven Development

5.1.6 How Can We Reduce the Global Development Gap?

5.1.7 Case Study: Tourism in Kenya

5.1.8 Case Study: Tourism in Jamaica

5.1.9 Case Study: Economic Development in India

5.1.10 Case Study: Aid & Development in India

5.1.11 Case Study: Economic Development in Nigeria

5.1.12 Case Study: Aid & Development in Nigeria

5.1.13 Economic Development in the UK

5.1.14 Economic Development UK: Industry & Rural

5.1.15 Economic Development UK: Transport & North-South

5.1.16 Economic Development UK: Regional & Global

5.1.17 End of Topic Test - The Changing Economic World

5.1.18 Exam-Style Questions - The Changing Economic World

5.1.19 Changing Economic World - Statistical Skills

6 The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1 Resource Management

6.1.1 Global Distribution of Resources

6.1.2 Food in the UK

6.1.3 Water in the UK 1

6.1.4 Water in the UK 2

6.1.5 Energy in the UK

6.1.6 Resource Management - Statistical Skills

6.2.1 Areas of Food Surplus & Food Deficit

6.2.2 Food Supply & Food Insecurity

6.2.3 Increasing Food Supply

6.2.4 Case Study: Thanet Earth

6.2.5 Creating a Sustainable Food Supply

6.2.6 Case Study: Agroforestry in Mali

6.2.7 End of Topic Test - Food

6.2.8 Exam-Style Questions - Food

6.2.9 Food - Statistical Skills

6.3.1 The Global Demand for Water

6.3.2 What Affects the Availability of Water?

6.3.3 Increasing Water Supplies

6.3.4 Case Study: Water Transfer in China

6.3.5 Sustainable Water Supply

6.3.6 Case Study: Kenya's Sand Dams

6.3.7 Case Study: Lesotho Highland Water Project

6.3.8 Case Study: Wakel River Basin Project

6.3.9 Exam-Style Questions - Water

6.3.10 Water - Statistical Skills

6.4.1 Global Demand for Energy

6.4.2 Factors Affecting Energy Supply

6.4.3 Increasing Energy Supply: Renewables

6.4.4 Increasing Energy Supply: Non-Renewables

6.4.5 Carbon Footprints & Energy Conservation

6.4.6 Case Study: Rice Husks in Bihar

6.4.7 Exam-Style Questions - Energy

6.4.8 Energy - Statistical Skills

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Case Study: Kenya's Sand Dams

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Take 10: Lesotho Highlands Water Project

A GCSE revision resource on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project using appealing black and white revision strips to help students learn and recall key information about the case study.

The colour photos in the PowerPoint can be used for retrieval practice as a starter. Students then cut out and annotate the strips of icons in the Word document and use a second strip to test their recall. They can use the icons to make connections between the facts as practice for writing coherent paragraphs in the exam-style questions provided. Assessment grids are included so students can mark their answers.

An extract from the resource:

Connect one idea to the next to create a chain of knowledge. For example:

• Lesotho is a small, mountainous country entirely surrounded by South Africa. What is the Lesotho Highlands Water Project?
• It transfers water from Lesotho to South Africa. What are its advantages for South Africa?
• South Africa has a large population but low rainfall – so it suffers frequent drought. And what are the project’s advantages for Lesotho?
• Lesotho has a small population but high rainfall – so lots of water to sell (around 75% of income). How big is the LHWP?

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Get Revising

Join get revising, already a member, case study 17: transboundary water scheme.

• Created by: louisb98
• Created on: 22-05-14 07:15
• Agreed btwn South Africa and Lesotho in 1986
• Water then reaches Gauteng for large industrial cities (e.g. Jo'burg)
• SA has uneven rainfall
• Non-even distribution of rain
• SA has large people without water access
• Jo'burg is a large city that does not get enough rain to supply its water needs
• Lesotho is a small LEDC countries surrounded by South Africa
• Lies 150km south of Jo'burg
• Mountains of Lesotho have the source of the Orange River
• Area gets 1200mm of rain / year
• Lesotho is a poor country with few natural resources except water
• Dams will provide HEP, providing cheap renewable electricity for Lesotho
• Construction of dam created jobs
• Reliable supply of safe water for Gauteng proviece
• Lesotho has water shortages
• Water bills in Jo'burg increased
• 20k were forced from their land as it flooded due to the dams

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