Total Project Cost
Investment Required
Stakeholders
Countries
Project Overview
Description
The Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project aims to implement a water conveyance system in Lesotho through South Africa to Botswana, including construction of a multi-purpose dam with hydropower plant.
Objectives
Project Objectives:
- Enable transboundary cooperation on water resources
- Provide water supply to Botswana, Lesotho and South African communities
- Generate hydropower in Lesotho
- Enhance climate resilience against water shortages
- Create long-term employment opportunities
- Support regional integration and development
Strategic Importance
Enhances transboundary water security and builds climate resilience while promoting sustainable socio-economic growth in the Orange-Senqu River Basin riparian countries.
Technical Specifications
Technology & Design
124m high concrete arch dam with hydropower plant and 700km water conveyance system
Capacity & Size
Project Scale:
- Total yield: 310MCM/year
- Hydropower: 30MW at dam, 5MW along conveyance
- Pipeline length: 700 km
- Irrigation capacity: 60MCM/year
Technical Details
Key Infrastructure:
- Multi-purpose dam on Makhaleng River
- 700 km water conveyance system
- Hydropower facilities
- Distribution networks
Development, Implementation & Financial Details
Development Timeline
Key Milestones:
- S0-S1: 2015
- S2A: Dec 2022
- S2B Dam: Oct 2024
- S2B Pipeline: Dec 2026
- S3A: Dec 2027
- S3B: Dec 2028
Latest Implementation Updates
UPDATED- 2015: Initial studies
- 2017: MoU signing
- 2022: Pre-feasibility completion
- 2026: All studies completion
2025-08-13: Botswana leadership publicly reaffirms commitment to the L-BWT with ORASECOM support; political momentum confirmed. — https://web.sabc.co.za/sabc/home/channelafrica/news/details?id=5a3ac8d1-cd78-4cd0-b58c-92d58781d099&title=Botswana+President+commit+to+Lesotho%27s+water+transfer+project
Financing Structure
Current Funding:
- World Bank Grant: $2.00M
- AWF Grant: $1.36M
- NEPAD-IPPF Grant: $3.10M
- State Contributions: $1.88M
Additional Funding Sought:
- SADC-PPDF: $2.00M
- State Contributions: $1.00M
- MCDF: $5.02M
Project Timeline
Start Date
August 2018
Development Timeline
Key Milestones:
- S0-S1: 2015
- S2A: Dec 2022
- S2B Dam: Oct 2024
- S2B Pipeline: Dec 2026
- S3A: Dec 2027
- S3B: Dec 2028
Project Status History
Status 2020
Pre-Feasibility
Status 2022
Feasibility
Status 2024
Feasibility
Additional Project Details
Preparation Funding Gap
USD 3.20M
Construction Timeline
Completion planned by December 2026
Market Analysis
Market Demand
Water demand projections for 2050:
- Botswana: 150MCM/year
- System yield: 310MCM/year
- Lesotho and SA share: 160MCM/year
Key Stakeholders
Project Sponsor
ORASECOM
Key Parties
ORASECOM Secretariat, Joint Study Management Committee (JSMC)
Investors
NEPAD-IPPF, AWF, SIWI, GWP-SA, CRIDF
Risk Assessment
General Risk Assessment
Risk Categories:
- Financial and disbursement
- Institutional and regulatory
- Technical implementation
- Political coordination
Regulatory Risks
Requires harmonized regulatory frameworks across countries
Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact
Environmental assessment pending as part of feasibility studies
Social Impact
Benefits communities across three countries through improved water security
Investment Opportunities
Private Sector Opportunities
Potential for PPP structure with suitable regulatory frameworks in place
Next Steps & Agreements
Next Steps
Current priorities:
- Complete technical feasibility studies
- Secure additional funding
- Complete ESIA studies
- Finalize institutional arrangements
Offtake Agreements
Current offtakers are state parties
Contact Information
Sumbi Mukumba Shimwambwa, Senior Programme Officer, Water Infrastructure Specialist AUDA-NEPAD
