Phase II of the Lesotho Highland Water Project has just kick started with feasibility studies for flows in nearby rivers and some advanced infrastructure. Feasibility studies for the dams and tunnels for Phase II will soon commence during 2012.

Phase II comprises of 165M CFRD Dam with crest length about 1000m and tunnel from Polihali to Katse dam near Katse dam Intake Shaft for water transfer to Muela Hydropower plant. The Phase II project is estimated to be at about $2.0 billion.

There is a proposed underground Hydropower generating plant near Katse Dam Intake Shaft which will be a Pump Storage Scheme. The Plant will be generating approximately 1000MW of electricity which will be transmitted to a regional grid during peak periods for Southern Africa region. The geological investigations have been completed (early 2012). Soon feasibility studies will start. Hydropower project estimated at $2.0 billion.

Mr. Sixtus TOHLANG
Secretary, Lesotho Committee on Large Dams
PHONE: (266) 588 608 01
E-mail: sec@lega.org.ls