Lesotho Water Development and Sanitation Project III
The Lesotho Lowlands Water Development and Sanitation Project Phase III (LLWDSP III) is implemented by the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho through the Ministry of Natural Resources as the third phase of the broader Lesotho Lowlands Water Supply Scheme (LLWSS).
The purpose of the project is to improve water supply and sanitation services in the Lowlands of Botha-Bothe and some parts of the Leribe district. LLWDSP III is expected to benefit more than 160,300 people, along with 84 schools, 132 churches, and 17 public institutions, including clinics, hospitals, and police posts. The beneficiary communities include Ha Marakabei, Qholaqhoe, Ha Seboche, Makhunoane, Khukhune, Tsime, ‘Muela, Phelandaba, Qalo, Serutle, Ha Selomo, Sekubu, Belo Industrial Estates, Ha Rampai, Matlakeng, Ha Jonothane, Ha Phooko, Pits’s Nek, ‘Mate, Ha Khabo, Levis Nek, Nqechane, and Litlhoatšaneng.
The project comprises three main components. The first component focuses on climate-resilient and low-carbon emission water supply infrastructure development. It seeks to enhance access to sustainable domestic and industrial water supply services within Botha-Bothe and its surrounding areas. To achieve this, the project includes the construction of a Hololo intake structure with a capacity of approximately 76,060 cubic metres per day, a one-kilometre raw water rising main with an 800-millimetre diameter, and a water treatment works together with a clear water pump station capable of processing about 45,200 cubic metres per day. In addition, the component involves the installation of approximately 147 kilometres of bulk water transmission pipelines, the development of 26 reservoirs and 7 associated pumping stations, and the establishment of new reticulation systems estimated to span about 1340 kilometres.
The second component of LLWDSP III focuses on Sanitation Services Improvement. This component supports the effort to strengthen Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) service delivery across the project area. Furthermore, the component aims to increase community awareness on sanitation and hygiene. It also encompasses the construction of sustainable and climate-resilient sanitation facilities for institutions, and vulnerable households and the establishment of a pilot climate-resilient Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) treatment unit in the Botha-Bothe district. Through these interventions, the project seeks to promote healthier environments and reduce sanitation-related risks.
The third component addresses Institutional Strengthening, Capacity Building and Programme Management. LLWDSP III is mandated to support the promotion and implementation of national water sector policies and regulations while building and strengthening the capacity of sector institutions at community, local and national levels. The component focuses on improving the operational and financial sustainability of key service providers responsible for managing and maintaining water and sanitation infrastructure. These include the Department of Water Affairs (DWA), Lesotho Meteorological Services (LMS), the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO), the Department of Rural Water Supply (DRWS), as well as Local Authorities and Community Councils within the project area. Through targeted training, institutional support, and strengthened governance mechanisms, the project aims to ensure effective and sustainable delivery of services beyond the life of the project.
LLWDSP III is jointly financed by a consortium of Arab development partners—namely the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund), the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD)—together with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Lesotho. This blended financing approach demonstrates strong international cooperation and reflects a shared commitment to improving water supply security and sanitation services.
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Office Address Maseru
Office Address Botha Bothe
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