admin Lesotho’s unique geography is accelerating silt build-up in the country’s dams, putting water supply and infrastructure at risk nationwide.
Speaking at the handover of new dredging machines for Rasebale Dam in Mafeteng this week, Minister of Natural Resources Mohlomi Moleko said soil erosion from the lowlands, foothills and rangelands is washing excessive silt into the country’s water sources.
He noted that the problem of dams having silt is not only in Mafeteng but all other dams in Lesotho. Moleko said even major dams are already feeling the pressure.
He singled out Metolong Dam and Katse Dam as facilities already facing significant siltation challenges, indicating that both dams are critical to domestic supply and to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which exports water to South Africa.
Meanwhile, Wasco Board of Directors Chairperson, Steven Monyamane acknowledged that previously there was no clear working plan on how to service Lesotho’s dams. He said going forward, they have advised themselves to have a clear working plan on how to service local dams.
