A diplomatic disagreement may further delay the progress of a multi-billion dollar initiative in Lesotho, which is crucial for averting a water crisis in South Africa, according to a report by Business Day that references legal documents and other sources.
Lesotho has voiced its objections to the reappointment of Tente Tente as the CEO of the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, a joint entity established by both nations in 1986 tasked with overseeing the water supply to Gauteng, South Africa’s economic hub, as indicated by the Johannesburg-based publication.
With a population of approximately 3 million people and completely surrounded by South Africa, Lesotho plays a vital role in providing water to its neighbor, particularly as climate change exacerbates drought conditions in the most industrialized nation on the continent.
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The mountainous kingdom holds Tente responsible for delays and rising costs associated with a R53 billion ($3 billion) project aimed at constructing a new dam and a tunnel to channel water to South Africa, the article noted. South Africa argues that Tente is not the only one to blame for the delays and overspending, highlighting environmental factors, political dynamics, and other issues, according to the report.
Lesotho’s Attorney-General Rapelang Motsieloa and Natural Resources Minister Mohlomi Moleko have filed a court request to invalidate the appointment, while the South African government is pursuing a resolution to the ongoing dispute, as per the findings of the newspaper.
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