engineeringnews

The Metolong Authority plans to start construction of Lesotho's new Metolong dam and raw water pumping station in early 2011, a spokesperson said on Tuesday.

The authority is currently busy with a prequalification process of contractors for the construction contracts of the new dam and pumping station and would invite bids in July.

The project entails the construction of a 73 m-high roller compacted concrete dam with a 210 m crest length and 53 m3 reservoir capacity on the south of Phuthiatsana river, about 35-km from Maseru, and a multi-stage raw water intake and pump station.

The Metolong Authority communications manager Matšeliso Makoele told Engineering News Online that the Metolong programme was part of Lesotho Government's efforts to secure long-term reliable water supply in the country.

The programme is divided into five components including: advance infrastructure planning, the construction of the Metolong dam and raw water pumping station, water treatment works, the construction of a downstream conveyance system, and environmental and social management.

Makoele noted that the Metolong programme would provide 75 000 m3/d of additional treated water to enable Maseru and the neighbouring towns to meet domestic and industrial requirement in the medium-term.

"Lesotho's lowland areas suffer severe water shortages owing to rising industrial demand, rapid urbanisation and periodic droughts especially in winter when flows are inadequate to meet the demand," she said.

The Metolong dam and water supply programme formed part of the larger Lesotho Lowlands Water Scheme (LLWS), which was established within Lesotho's Ministry of Natural Resources to address water shortages in Maseru and all lowland districts.

Makoele pointed out that the programme would also support socio-economic development for the fast-growing urban areas.

Reliable water supply would lead to continued development of the manufacturing and textile industries, leading to job creation, food production.

Further, small, micro and medium-sized enterprises also stood to benefit. "During infrastructure development, jobs will be created around the project areas, therefore enhancing livelihoods," said Makoele.

The Metolong programme is implemented by the Metolong Authority and financed by the Lesotho government and other development partners, including the South African government, the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Millennium Challenge Corporation and a consortium of Arab donors, comprising 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 programme is expected to be completed in 2013.