GRN clarifies stance on Lesotho Highlands Water Project

The Namibian government has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible development within the Orange (Senqu) River Basin, saying all activities will be undertaken without harming other countries that rely on the river and with a focus on the sustainable management of shared water resources.

The statement follows media reports from earlier this week, which quoted South Africa’s Department of Water and Sanitation as saying Namibia is withholding a required “no-objection” letter. The letter is crucial to secure funding for phase two of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which is scheduled for completion in the 2028/29 financial year at an estimated cost of R53.3 billion.

“Following the project's feasibility study in 2019, Namibia determined that issuing such confirmation would be premature due to potential adverse effects on the country as a downstream riparian state along the Orange (Senqu) River system,” the agriculture and water ministry said in response on 5 February.

“Namibia has consistently maintained that a 'no objection' can only be considered once these issues have been satisfactorily resolved and a firm commitment is provided by South Africa concerning the joint development of the Noordoewer-Vioolsdrif Dam on the Lower Orange River, which is regarded as an essential mitigation measure,” the ministry highlighted.

The ministry also assured that Namibia remains committed to working constructively with other countries in the basin. “The government is confident that compromise can be reached through effective measures that protect downstream interests while supporting sustainable development,” it said.

Ongoing dialogue to resolve the issue continues through established frameworks, including the Orange-Senqu River Basin Commission and bilateral platforms such as the Permanent Water Commission and the Bi-National Commission between Namibia and South Africa.

 

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project 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, mainly due to these regions’ rapidly growing population and industrial demands.

The project, which is expected to take 30 years to complete, 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. On completion, 40% of the water from the river in Lesotho will be transferred to the Vaal River in South Africa.

The Polihali Dam is currently under construction at the confluence of the Senqu and Khubelu rivers in Lesotho as part of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

*Additional information obtained from Internet Geography