Question 8

Georg Caspary of Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris which is the research institute of Groupe d'Economie Mondiale and also a leading French public policy economic think tank, has fielded a number of questions for the LHDA’s attention. The research focuses on the integration of social and environmental safeguards in the financing of large dam projects.

Question 8: What will happen to the dam at the end of the project life? Are there plans for ‘Clean’ decommissioning?

Answer 8 : The issues is under discussion at policy level. However, it is anticipated that Katse dam will remain operational beyond the 50 years of its designed lifespan. Water deliveries from other feeding dams such as Mashai will be designed to exclude suspended solids as best as possible. Water transfers by gravity from Mohale dam is expected to deliver only the surface layers which are expected to have negligible suspended solids.

The Integrated Catchment Management in place is also aimed at addressing minimal sedimentation flow rates into Katse dam itself. A sedimentation survey programme is in place to determine sediment deposition in the reservoirs.

See Answer to question 6 for details.

Question 9 : Is there a chance to be put in contact with the team/consulting firm who did the EIA for more technical questions on the Assessment?

Answer 9 : Yes Definitely. Their contact details are as follows:

Hunting Technical Services Ltd	CONSULT 4	CONSULT 4 International
Thamesfield House	P.O. Box 1859	C/o Ninham Shand (Pty) Ltd
Boundary Way	Randburg 2125	Private Bag X 136
Hemel Hempstead	South Africa	CENTURION 0046
Hertfordshire
HP2 7SR
UK
Tel: 0044 – 442 – 231800	Tel. : + 27 – 11 – 789 - 1510	Tel. : +27 – 12 – 643 – 9000
Fax : 0044 – 442 219886	Fax : + 27 – 11 – 789 - 1562	Fax : + 27 – 12 - 663 - 3257

Edward Munyeshuli from Swaziland Waterford Kamhlaba also submitted this request.

“ I have visited the LHWP website and I have managed to compile some useful information. But I would be grateful to receive specific information on :

The annual /monthly income generated by Katse Dam

The Annual/ monthly costs of the dam due to maintenance and labour?

Political issues surrounding the use of the dam

Social advantages and impacts on the surrounding communities

Strategies taken by the LHDA to compensate the affected people

Also in acknowledging receipt of information from LHDA, Ted said, “ I wish to thank you once again for the material I received for my Geography assignment. I will be getting feedback on my first draft and I look forward to keeping you in touch for further help.”

Teboho Moorosi from Fort Hare University in Alice a student on a Master’s degree programme. She has requested to be provided with information regarding the impacts of ‘Muela dam construction activities on the natural environment as well as people living in the surrounding area. She would like to have the information by September. WW will keep on reminding you to assist ‘Me Teboho.