Community perceptions of the social impacts of the Metolong Dam and Reservoir in Lesotho

Abstract

In Lesotho, large dams supply South Africa with water, earning Lesotho royalties, as well as supplying this small nation with water and electricity. This study investigated the perceptions of residents regarding the impacts of one of these dams, namely the Metolong Dam and Reservoir. The methodology was qualitative in nature, using document analysis, field notes and semi-structured interviews. Results show that local villagers felt the overall social, economic and environmental impacts were mixed. Environmentally, the area suffered from noise and air pollution, soil erosion and habitat loss during construction, although there were efforts to preserve rare species. Economically, some locals lost land, livestock or income streams, or became food poor. Others however, were able to adopt fish farming or secure employment. Bit community members felt side-lined in terms of employment, with few placed in managerial or supervisory positions. Culturally, people lost access to their ancestral lands and, as a result, despite the preservation of cultural heritage sites, felt their culture was undermined. The influx of migrant workers – although contributing to the local economy – was blamed for young females in the area becoming HIV positive or disrespecting their parents. Although the project built and rehabilitated schools, few local children benefited due to high school fees. Forced idleness, intergenerational poverty and alcoholism now plague the community, with locals relying heavily on grants, remittances, pensions and beer brewing for survival. The study concludes that while the Metolong Dam brought benefits to South Africa, Lesotho and the local community, benefits at local level were uneven at best.