Compensation to the Affected Communities
Maseru 05 December, 2002
The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) today disbursed cash payments amounting to one million five hundred and sixty thousand eight hundred and ninenty three maloti (M1,560,893.00) as cash compensation to the communities of Mallane, Lejoe-motho, Liphofung, Mpeli, Paepae, Ts’epo, Suoane and Liontong villages in the Katse local catchment.
The compensation represents a five year (5 year) payment for the communally owned assets that were affected by the implementation of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project activities in Phase 1A.
The affected area was mainly rangeland which was taken by the Authority to give way to construction of Katse dam and the impoundment of Katse reservoir.
The compensation payout is being effected in line with the provisions of the Treaty signed by the governments of Lesotho and the Republic of South Africa in 1986 and disbursements will be made on an annual basis on the 50 year period.
The cash payments are meant for investment and developmental projects.
END … 05 December, 2002
For more information please contact LHDA Public Relations on +266 22 313 830