By Thoboloko Ntšonyane
MASERU – The National Assembly last week adopted the Portfolio Committee on Natural Resources, Tourism, and Land Cluster findings after receiving and scrutinising petitions from communities affected by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP).
The petitions, submitted by residents of Ha Makhalanyane, Ha Mokhathi, Ha Nchela, and Ha Thafeng, highlight concerns over compensation, infrastructure development, and ongoing disputes between local communities and the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), the body responsible for implementing LHWP projects.
Established by a treaty signed in 1986 between Lesotho and South Africa, LHWP involves a series of engineering projects, including dams, tunnels, and a hydropower station, along with roads, telecommunications, and power infrastructure. These developments have brought economic opportunities to Lesotho but are also feared to have posed environmental and social challenges in some instances.
Meanwhile, the LHDA is, among others, charged to manage community development programmes and compensation initiatives including relocating and resettling affected residents, compensating for communal and individual losses, and providing necessary infrastructure to resettled villages.
While the compensation policies were introduced to support economic independence for affected communities, the Natural Resources Portfolio Committee’s report reveals, these initiatives have faced delays and challenges in implementation.
Empowered by the Standing Order No. 95, the Portfolio Committee on Natural Resources, Tourism, and Land Cluster is authorised to investigate government actions within its scope, which includes natural resources, energy, environment, forestry, public works, tourism.
In its report tabled by its Chairperson, Hon Moeketsi Motšoane, the Committee highlighted concerns raised by community representatives.
Each of the four villages tabled before the Committee their frustration over slow progress in implementing promised infrastructure projects and a lack of transparency in managing community funds.
Despite funds available for community development, the Ha-Nchela residents have struggled to finalize projects. The community had requested a hall, expected to generate rental income, but LHDA declined, citing concerns over potential disputes.
Also, the request for access roads and water services remain pending.
Ha-Makhalanyane community with nearly M9 million available, the residents initially sought electricity, but disputes with the Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) have reportedly hindered progress. Their other request was the construction of the office of the Chief and continued access to clean water.
They reportedly expressed concern over delays spanning over 20 years.
While the relations between LHDA and Ha-Thafeng community are reportedly positive, the residents voiced frustration over a lack of progress on their requests for an access road and a construction of the Chief’s office.
The situation in Ha-Mokhathi is complex, with funds reportedly depleted without significant development outcomes. This community had funding of M1,3 million.
Allegations of mismanagement and unapproved withdrawals were brought to the fore, and there were calls for disciplinary action against implicated LHDA officers.
The Committee has recommended halting all fund-related activities pending a thorough investigation, though LHDA has yet to comply.
Following its review of the petitions, the Committee observed that compensation funds have often been mismanaged for community benefit.
Although LHDA’s role was to advise and support communities in utilizing compensation funds, the Committee reported to the august house that it had found insufficient support in several cases.
The Committee was further concerned that the slow pace of progress in implementing the Treaty’s provisions contravenes the LHWP to ensure that resettled households do not experience a reduction in living standards.
One of the Committee members, Hon Mootsi Lehata said it is high time that the LHDA’s compensation policy is audited. He called for an independent auditor to be engaged to undertake the auditing role to ensure transparency.
Members called for the review of the policy saying it cannot be that the affected communities remain disadvantaged years following their resettlement.
The house recommended that the community hall in Ha-Nchela be constructed and be completed by October 2024 for the community to generate rental income.
It further called for the provision of an access road and an office of the Chief for Ha-Thafeng, with completion also by October 2024 and also for the support for Ha-Makhalanyane’s electricity and office of the Chief projects, to be finalized also by October 2024.
It demanded the LHDA to assume responsibility for the community’s funds, ensuring all further activities are paused until investigations are completed and also the disciplinary measures against LHDA officers alleged to have a hand in Ha-Mokhathi fund mismanagement.
“The LHDA should review and amend its compensation policy,” reads the report.