Maseru, June 09 — Basotho communities affected by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP)—represented by Policy, Environmental Justice and Water Resource Advocacy (PEWA)—are calling on South Africa to assume control over the compensation and resettlement of impacted residents, particularly those living near the Katse and Mohale dams.

Mr. Mohato Morokole, a PEWA spokesperson and community leader, spoke via a WhatsApp call during a press conference held in Maseru on Tuesday. He stated that he had been relocated to Maseru by the LHWP but is currently living in South Africa. This move followed a threatening private phone call warning them to halt a petition they planned to submit to the South African Parliament. The petition urges South Africa to intervene, alleging that those currently in charge have failed in their duties.

Morokole noted that the Katse Dam experienced hydrodynamic vibrations in previous years, which caused nearby houses in Ha-Nt'seli to crack and collapse, prompting residents to lodge complaints with the relevant authorities. Regarding the Mohale Dam, he explained that while some residents have been relocated, others remain near the reservoir, which floods surrounding homes when at full capacity. He added that some residents have tragically fallen into the dam, resulting in unnecessary fatalities.

Furthermore, he stated that the reservoir has attracted certain wild animals that enter homes, consume their maize meal, destroy crops and exacerbating local food insecurity.

Consequently, Morokole stated that the affected communities authorized them to submit the petition—which has been reviewed by Harvest FM—to South Africa, drafted in March 2026. He emphasized that current LHWP policies do not benefit the local population.

"We are requesting solidarity and your direct intervention in our plight as communitry affected by the LHWP in Lesotho. We have been talking many times with the succesive governments of Lesotho and the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) about our situation." Read the letter

The communities are requesting that South Africa provide them with land in Ladybrand, Free State, to replace the farms that were acquired. They are also seeking subsistence support of R30,000 per family per month and a share of the project royalties to ensure they can maintain a dignified standard of living.