M.Sc. / The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is bound to adversely affect the ecology of the Orange River system and in particular the highland tributaries. The Senqunyane River (a tributary of the Orange River) would be no exception. Water extraction by means of the proposed Mohale Dam (Phase 1B of LHWP) is expected to alter the downstream habitat of the Senqunyane River, which is alarming as the rare rock catfish (Austroglanis sclateri) occur in these waters. Another concern is the lack of knowledge on the riverine ecology as no research has been conducted in the Senqunyane River downstream from the proposed Mohale Dam wall. In order to gain baseline information on the aquatic habitat, distribution and composition of the fish community as well as habitat parameters of the rock catfish , four surveys (from Spring 1994 to Summer 1996) were conducted in the Senqunyane River, major tributaries and in the Senqu River. This information is needed for future monitoring of downstream alterations to the riverine ecosystem and to determine the habitat preference of A. sclateri. Water quality variables were generally in accordance with the guidelines of Kempster, Hattingh & Van Vliet (1980) and the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (1993), but excessive levels of un-ionized ammonia and phosphates were recorded at antropogenically disturbed areas. Two distinctly different fish communities were respectively found upstream and downstream from the Semongkoaneng Waterfall as this waterfall serves as a migration barrier. The upstream community consists entirely of Psemlobarbus quathlantbae (Maloti minnow), while the downstream community consists of Barb us amens (Smallmouth yellowfish). Labe() capensis (Orange River mudfish). Austraglanis .cclateri (rock catfish) and Oncorhunchus An ecological investigation of the aquatic vertebrates below the proposed Mohale Darn Wall in the Senqunyane River, Lesotho, with emphasis on the rock catfish (Austroglanis sclateri) al1111111Hry mykiss (Rainbow trout). B. aeneus has the highest-representation within this community while 0. mykiss has the lowest representation. Low numbers of the latter species is probably related to the temperature regime and bottom siltation and therefore the Senqunyane River can be regarded as of a marginal area for the occurrence of trout. A. sclateri also has a low representation within the community which is probably a result of its specific habitat requirements as apposed to 13. aeneus and L. capensis which utilize a wider variety of habitat types. Distinctly different habitat preferences were observed for different A. sclateri lifestages. Recruits preferred backwater pools, juveniles preferred suckles and adults preferred runs. It is clear that juveniles and adults prefer strong current velocities and would probably not do well in conditions of reduced flow. A. sclateri could therefore be regarded as an indicator species in the context of instream flow requirements for the Senqunyane River below the proposed Mohale Dam wall.

The construction of large dams has become a contentious issue throughout the world. Environmentalists, human rights activists, NGOs, academics and local communities have all contributed to the debate. On the one hand, proponents have highlighted the role of dams in alleviating poverty, improving the quality of life of communities, and their positive impact on local and national economies. Opponents of large dams have argued that the negative impacts on the environment and local communities outweigh any perceived benefits. Methods for assessing the environmental impact of large projects have been used since the 1970's. By 1988 most of Europe had adopted methods such as environmental impact assessment for evaluating the impact of proposed projects. These procedures aim to inform decision makers and authorities of the potential impact that a proposed project may have. World financial institutions, such as the World Bank, have also adopted the use of these assessment methods as part of their evaluation of projects that are seeking funding. This research establishes the environmental standards and requirements that were in place internationally, nationally and regionally, during the planning, design and implementation of Phase 1A and Phase 1B of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. The products of the environmental investigations during successive phases of the project (1986-1999) are assessed to establish whether the parties involved conform to these standards. In addition, the research highlights affected communities' experience of the project implementation, as well as the impact of the project on their lives. The research suggests that in the early phases of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (feasibility and Phase 1A), studies failed to meet environmental assessment standards and requirements, Studies undertaken during Phase 1B represent a considerable improvement and conform more closely to World Bank standards. Although the participation of interested and affected parties has improved, there still appear to be areas of major concern to affected communities. The study highlights the need for greater transparency during the assessment phase of projects, and in particular, more effective involvement of the local communities. Future environmental assessments of this nature are likely to be subject to more stringent requirements including the systematic assessment and quantification of downstream impacts and the incorporation of the costs of all impacts in the project costs. Further phases of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, will therefore need to demonstrate environmental sustainability in the long term. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2000.

Development stakeholders globally argue that participatory development is the best model of development strategy in achieving sustainable, self-reliant development. This is one of the major tools of democracy used by democratic governments. This type of development strategy asserts that if people decide on their own development and if development becomes personcentred, there is a high possibility of successful and sustainable development projects within communities. It should be understood that participatory development involves people’s participation in development projects from the adoption stage of project to monitoring and evaluation of those projects. In Lesotho, lack of participatory development in development projects is reflected in environmental impact assessment reports by a number of developers. In these reports, participatory development and beneficiary empowerment are not regarded as valuable. It seems empowerment and capacity building is on the margins of the government and developers in Lesotho. This study addresses issues of participatory development with the focus of the Lesotho Highlands water project. It provides a critical examination of the events around the project from its conception, the beginning of the construction of phase one of the project to the end of this phase. The study then provides a critical analysis of the treaty of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project signed in 1986 with much reflection on participatory development and all it entails. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.

In the Kingdom of Lesotho, large dams are currently being constructed with the sole purpose of selling water to the Republic of South Africa, in order to earn royalties and to generate electricity for Lesotho. The focus of this study was to investigate the perception of the community on the socio-environmental impacts of Metolong Dam and Reservoir in Lesotho. A qualitative research methodology was adopted and grounded theory was used in collecting data from the study area. Qualitative research techniques used were document analysis, field notes and semi-structured interviews. After conducting an audit which evaluated the accuracy of the initial Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) by comparing actual to predict impacts, it was found that the perceptions of the community on the socio-economic impacts of Metolong project were: the community had poor education due to expensive school fees and their level of education did not help with dynamics on climate for they are complex and not easily to be understood, alcoholism existed due to unemployement, cultural constraints existed dominated by the patriarchal structures on the land and decision making, compensation policy was not honoured by project developers, the project brought benefits and loss of life-support resources, people are unable to grow wheat, beans and peas for their fields are taken and the community experienced loss of building sand that is not addressed. Information obtained helped the study to close the gap which appears not to have been addressed by the Government of Lesotho Department of Water Affairs Lowlands Water Supply Unit, 2008. Results of the study revealed that local villagers in the study area were happy with the project benefits, but they were discontented with the project as they were not incoporated in the management and supervision of the project. Rather, the local villagers were engaged only as labourers. The study recommends that when large dams are constructed, local villages should not be given promises that are dressed with many enticing commitments. The reason is that, communities never asked for the project, but it is set forth authoritatively as obligatory upon them. Project authorities should increase their efforts to fulfil promises made. Not only that, they should have respect, compassion, care and dedication when dealing with affected people. It is in this regard that the Local Based Project Execution and Observation Model is proposed, which will incorporate local villagers in the management steps of all large dam developments within their communities, in order to contend with environmental impacts of large dams. / Environmental Sciences / Ph. D. (Environmental Management)