The Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project (L-BWT) aims to implement a water conveyance system drawing from the Makhaleng River in Lesotho, through South Africa, to Botswana, including construction of a multi-purpose dam in the Mafeteng/Maseru districts of Lesotho. The project will transfer approximately 150 million cubic metres (MCM) of water per year to Botswana, while supplying 50 MCM per year to communities in Lesotho and South Africa (including Bloemfontein). A 700+ km water conveyance pipeline through South Africa will serve Botswana. The project also includes hydropower generation in Lesotho to reduce energy import dependency. Total project cost estimated at USD 2.53 billion. Managed by the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) with ORASECOM Executive Secretary Comfort Molosiwa (Botswana national, first ORASECOM ES from Botswana, in post since May 2024) providing institutional leadership. Project Manager is Mr. Thabo Hloele. Feasibility studies target completion 2026; operational start approximately 2030. August 2025: Botswana President reaffirmed commitment to L-BWT project.
PIDA Code
W.30.04
Project Status
Active
Project Stage
Transaction Support & Financial Close
Completion Percentage
0
Sector Name
Water
Subsector Name
Water Supply
Reference Plan
PIDA PAP 2
On SDM
Off
Summary
Project at Feasibility Stage (S2B). Feasibility studies progressing well after COVID delays; target completion 2026. ESIA expected to begin 2024. ORASECOM Executive Secretary: Comfort Molosiwa (confirmed May 2024). L-BWT Project Manager: Mr. Thabo Hloele (confirmed at Gaborone ORASECOM stakeholder meeting). Key milestones per PIDA prospectus: S2B Dam Oct 2024; S2B Pipeline Dec 2026; S3A Dec 2027; S3B Dec 2028. Operational start approximately 2030. August 2025: Botswana President reaffirmed political commitment at high-level event.
Description
Capex Cost
2,530.00USD million
Preparation Cost
6.00
Project Risk
Implementation and coordination risks
Countries
Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa
Start Date
Date Created Raw
Updated Date