Hydropolitics, Ecocide and Human Security in Lesotho: A Case Study of the the Lesotho Highlands Water Project

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project is a bi-national collaboration between Lesotho and South Africa. One of the most comprehensive water projects in the world it aims to harness the water resources of Lesotho to the mutual benefit of both states. Once completed, about 2,200 million cubic metres per annum of water will be transferred from Lesotho to the South African network. In return, Lesotho will benefit in terms of ancillary developments and, in particular, revenue from royalties. However, due to hydropolitics, the Project has i mpacted negatively upon human security, with reference to the Projetc. It argues that du to the Hydro-strategic interests of the political elite of both countries, co-operation exists between them over the Project. These strategic interests, however, outweigh social and environmenrtal considerations in Lesotho, thereby constituting a threat to human security. The construction of the Project has resulted in ecocide and, as such, it has adverse environmental and social effects. It has contributed to chronic threats, while at the same time disrupting the patterns of daily life of the affected communities. Most of the displaced are no longer able to enjoy their human security as they did prior to the construction of the Project.