file under:
Facilities, Water, Middle East/Africa, Program Management, Federal Government, Government
Facilities + Water
Landlocked Lesotho Builds Landmark Dam
The independent nation of Lesotho, tucked inside the borders of South Africa, boasts a rugged and majestic landscape that makes it a unique adventurer’s destination. But despite the nation’s tall mountains, it has historically suffered from water shortages, affecting the country’s vibrant textile industry and growing population. Providing much needed relief, the US$187 million Metolong Dam water infrastructure program will supply raw water for Lesotho’s capital, Maseru, and surrounding towns. The project will improve water delivery to domestic users and textile operations—preserving 48,000 jobs and creating approximately 6,000 new ones.
The Metolong Dam will not only create a much-needed water supply for Maseru and the surrounding area, but it will stimulate Lesotho’s business and economy.
Serving as the project’s program manager, we are drawing from our global experience to keep the massive project on track while managing the shortage of required skills in Lesotho, the project’s stringent procurement guidelines, and multiple stakeholder and funding donors. Scheduled for completion in September 2013, the massive project will consist of a 73-meter roller-compacted concrete dam and multi-stage raw water intake and pump station; a 75-million-liter-per-day water treatment plant; and a downstream conveyance system, with more than 100 kilometers of transmission pipelines.
As with most projects this size, stakeholder engagement and involvement are critical and ongoing. While an initial stakeholder input phase secured support and eased concerns about the program, we continue to keep communities abreast of project developments and address potential problems. Additional social and environmental management initiatives include cultural resources management and development, land acquisition and resettlement, and catchment management. The Metolong Dam will not only create a much-needed water supply for Maseru and the surrounding area, but it will stimulate Lesotho’s business and economy.
