Lesotho: Diversion reaches crossroad

Lesotho's vast, controversial highlands water transfer scheme to South Africa took a step forward on Sept. 22 when ministers from both governments ratified the appointment of consultants to plan the next phase. While people displaced by the first phase agitate for compensation in the Lesotho capital, Maseru, the plan is facing tough competition from other water resources in South Africa. The phase two plan calls for the new 155-m-high Mashai dam and upgrading of the first phase Muela hydropower plant. And it includes 101 kilometers of new transfer tunnels to the Vaal River. But now that the demand for electricity is on the rise again, the next phase could be changed to emphasize generating capacity, says Peter Pyke, chief engineer in charge of analyzing options at South Africa's Dept. of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) in Pretoria.