By Staff Reporter
South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho have formalised their commitment to joint water resources development with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Signed on Wednesday in Maseru, Lesotho, the agreement outlines joint efforts for the proposed construction of two weirs on the Mohokare/ Caledon River, and to ensure efficient management and sustainable development of the water resources.
The agreement aims to establish a cooperative framework for the construction of two weirs on the Mohokare-Caledon River.
The initiative seeks to ensure efficient management and sustainable development of water resources beneficial to both nations.
According to Wisane Mavasa, spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation, the MoU enables Lesotho to access South African territory along the river for the construction of these weirs under its Market Driven Irrigated Horticulture (MDIH) Project.
The Mohokare river begins in the Maloti Mountains of northern Lesotho and flows towards the southwestern direction. The river forms a large part of Lesotho’s north-western border with South Africa.
Mavasa said that these weirs will facilitate year-round irrigation in Lesotho, even during dry seasons when river levels are low, by storing water.
The Lesotho MDIH schemes are projected to require approximately 6.35 million cubic meters annually, potentially increasing to 9.79 million cubic meters during drier periods, supporting irrigation over 1,580 hectares.
“For South Africa, the weirs will also play a crucial role in reducing sedimentation in the Caledon River and will serve as essential infrastructure for water quantity measurement and flood management,” said Mavasa.
The MoU was signed during the 2nd Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Maseru, co-chaired by Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane of Lesotho and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.
The BNC aims to strengthen political relations, deepen economic cooperation, and oversee the implementation of strategic bilateral projects, including the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), which remains pivotal for sustainable water supply and regional infrastructure development.
As Phase II of the LHWP progresses, the Commission emphasised the importance of timely implementation within allocated resources to maximise its socio-economic benefits.
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