Moorosi Tsiane
A massive regional water infrastructure project that could transform Southern Africa’s water and energy landscape is gaining momentum, with the construction of the US$3 billion (M53.8 billion) Makhaleng Dam now moving closer to reality.
The Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project, which has been in the pipeline for more than a decade, promises far-reaching benefits for water-stressed communities in Botswana, Lesotho, and South Africa. It has been hailed as one of the region’s most ambitious transnational infrastructure ventures.
The Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) Executive Secretary, Comfort Molosiwa, said the project is entering a pivotal phase.
He was speaking on Wednesday during a high-level site visit to the proposed dam location between the villages of Tsinyane and Ha Kerefisi in Mafeteng. The tour was led by Lesotho’s Prime Minister Sam Matekane and his cabinet, along with the visiting Botswana President, Advocate Duma Boko.
Mr Molosiwa said the project was first proposed in 2011 by then-Botswana Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe, as a response to escalating water demands in the three countries. It capitalises on Lesotho’s abundant water resources.
“We are standing on the edge of a historic breakthrough. This project will secure water for generations,” Mr Molosiwa said.
“The total cost is about US$3 billion, but right now we urgently need US$2 million to complete the outstanding studies.”
The dam will rise 140 metres high and is designed to resemble Lesotho’s iconic Katse Dam. It will store 1.216 billion cubic metres of water and yield 308 million cubic metres annually, while also generating around 40 megawatts of hydropower.
“Downstream, at the confluence of the Makhaleng and Mantekoana Rivers, an abstraction weir will be constructed. Water will then be conveyed via a 700-kilometre pipeline, ranging in diameter from 2.0 to 1.5 metres, to the Nnywane Dam in Lobatse, Botswana.”
Once completed, the project will supply 150 million cubic metres of water annually to Botswana. A further 158 million cubic metres will be shared between Lesotho (90 million) and South Africa (68 million) for various uses, including irrigation.
The project has already undergone extensive technical assessments, including pre-feasibility studies and dam-specific feasibility work, coordinated by Botswana with support from the World Bank through ORASECOM’s Basin-Wide Climate Resilient Investment Plan.
It is being overseen by a Joint Study Management Committee.
However, Mr Molosiwa said several key studies are still outstanding, including the technical feasibility of the water conveyance system, Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), and Financial, Legal, and Institutional Structuring (FLIS).
“We still need to complete the final phase of studies before implementation,” he said. “ORASECOM has applied for funding from development partners, including the SADC Project Preparation and Development Facility, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the Multilateral Cooperation Centre for Development Finance.”
Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, hailed the project as a symbol of regional unity and shared aspirations.
“This site stands as a testament to our shared regional goals and the power of cooperation through the Orange-Senqu River Commission.
“The Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project is more than just infrastructure, it is a long-term strategic investment in regional water security, energy production, and climate resilience,” Mr Moleko said.
He reiterated that the dam would harness Lesotho’s Makhaleng River to serve the broader developmental goals of Lesotho, Botswana, and South Africa.
“The dam envisioned here will store over 1.2 billion cubic metres of water and generate 40 megawatts of hydropower at the dam, with an additional 5 megawatts along the conveyance system. Water will travel over 700 kilometres to Lobatse in Botswana, delivering 150 million cubic metres annually, with 158 million cubic metres shared between Lesotho and South Africa. This is regional integration in action.”
