Lesotho to Construct New Dam in 2011

Lesotho is expected to construct the new Metolong dam and raw water pumping station next year in a bid to secure a reliable water supply.

The Metolong Authority, which is overseeing the prequalification process of selecting contractors for the dam, intends to invite bids in July this year.

The project will include construction of a 73m high roller compacted concrete dam with a 210m crest length and 53m³ reservoir capacity on the south of Phuthiatsana river about 35km from Maseru.

Work also includes construction of a multi-stage raw water intake and pump station.

The Metolong programme will provide 75,000m³ per day of additional treated water to meet the domestic and industrial requirements of Maseru and the neighbouring towns.

The dam and water supply programme is part of the Lesotho Lowlands Water Scheme established by Lesotho’s Ministry of Natural Resources to address water shortages in Maseru and all lowland districts.

The Metolong project is being financed by the Lesotho Government, the South African Government, World Bank, European Investment Bank and the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

The project also received funding from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the Opec Fund for International Development, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa and the Saudi Fund for Development.

The project is expected to be complete in 2013, according to engineeringnews.co.za.