LHDA

LHDA stands for the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority. It is a public corporation established by the government of Lesotho. Its primary mandate is to implement and manage the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). The LHWP is a large-scale, multi-dam project designed to harness the water resources of the Maloti Mountains in Lesotho. The project's main objectives are to supply water to the Gauteng Province of South Africa and to generate hydropower for Lesotho.

The LHDA is responsible for the planning, design, construction, and operation of the dams, tunnels, and associated infrastructure. It also manages the environmental and social impacts of the project, working to mitigate negative effects and promote positive development within the affected communities. The authority engages in land acquisition, resettlement programs, and the provision of social infrastructure and services as part of its responsibilities.

Financed through a treaty between Lesotho and South Africa, the LHWP is a significant source of revenue for Lesotho through water sales to South Africa. The project is implemented in phases, with several phases already completed and others planned for the future. The LHDA plays a crucial role in the economic development of Lesotho, not only through revenue generation but also through job creation and the development of infrastructure.