Water case studies

Lesotho Highlands Water Project(water)

Background info: Lesotho: land-locked (Republic of South Africa) Mountainous South Africa (Southern hemisphere) Next to Indian Ocean

How: Water transfer project (40% from rivers to Western  parts of Lesotho) Dams - hold back and release, HEP (6 dams) Water transfer tunnels - North to South Africa to sell surplus

Why: East is wet, west is dry  Reliable water supply Irrigation, domestic use, industry People can focus on other jobs

For: Water available all year for agriculture, houses, industry Surplus sold for fee More water --> more crops --> exports Higher output of economy--> jobs for people / can focus on sth else Tourism and HEP from dams --> develop industry

Against: People moved as valleys were flooded Loss of fertile land Lesotho dependant on South Africa --> water war Deficit of water in East