6. We have lost medicinal plants and other plants of cultural value, and what is the project doing to ensure we continue to have access to these valuable plants or are compensated?

7. LHDA has built clinics and communities were happy that medical services are brought closer to the people but when the construction works are completed the clinics either close down or the level of service delivery becomes poor, why is that?

8. If standards of service fall down, is this not contravening the compensation obligation as stated in the Treaty signed between the two Governments?

9. Why is the provision of water and sanitation facilities taking so long to implement in Mohale area?

10. The Katse Local Catchment is still behind in terms of providing water and sanitation facilities for the affected communities. How many villages have been provided, which are still outstanding, and when will the programme be completed?

11. Next 5 Questions >>

We have lost medicinal plants and other plants of cultural value, and what is the project doing to ensure we continue to have access to these valuable plants or are compensated?

There is communal asset compensation provided at community level for communal losses. On the other hand, there is a programme for conservation of indigenous plants which entails training of communities in production/cultivation of plants of importance as well as the Botanic Garden at Katse which provides a reference point for plants that exist from the project area.

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LHDA has built clinics and communities were happy that medical services are brought closer to the people but when the construction works are completed the clinics either close down or the level of service delivery becomes poor, why is that?

The medical facilities were built specifically to provide services to the construction workforce and the local communities affected by the project.
As construction of main works is completed, the facilities are handed over to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to continue providing the services. It is expected that the level of service delivery will be maintained.

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If standards of service fall down, is this not contravening the compensation obligation as stated in the Treaty signed between the two Governments?

We should understand that LHWP is a project with a specified mandate. The project operates within the development plan already outlined by the Government of Lesotho; therefore the developments that come with the implementation of LHWP are developments that have been agreed with government. Standards might be perceived to fall where there are budget constraints following handover of specific facilities to government. However, there are other avenues such as private sector, which need looking at for long-term operation of these facilities.

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Why is the provision of water and sanitation facilities taking so long to implement in Mohale area?

The design of the water and sanitation facilities for Mohale is slightly different from what was implemented in the Phase 1A area. It calls for more participation by the communities as well as having a major component of primary health care. For ownership and sustainability of these facilities, it was important that these components be undertaken to a satisfactory level before the physical construction of the facilities. Construction, however is about to commence as the contractor is currently constructing facilities such as stores and procuring accommodation for his construction staff.

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The Katse Local Catchment is still behind in terms of providing water and sanitation facilities for the affected communities. How many villages have been provided, which are still outstanding, and when will the programme be completed?

On assessment of the water and sanitation facilities in Katse Local Catchment, the exercise revealed that less than 50% of the villages/households have been provided with these facilities. The programme is being redesigned along the Mohale programme (that is, the Mohale programme will be retrofitted to Katse Local Catchment). It is expected that the implementation will commence in 2003.

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Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
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Revised: May 04, 2006 .