Lesotho, Project for Dam May See 8,000 Displaced Persons

In Lesotho, nearly 8,000 residents in 35 villages are at risk of losing their homes and livelihoods as construction begins on the Polihali Dam in Mokhotlong district that will supply water to South Africa.

The 8,000 people were not consulted, and according to receipts Amnesty International came into possession of, they received a ridiculous sum equivalent to one euro as compensation to make way for the project. And naturally, construction begins with work on the roads that will be used to bring construction material to the site.

The project is being overseen by the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority which is owned by the government of Lesotho. It is their lawful duty to guarantee that the construction of the dam does not lead to forced evictions. Lawyers representing the affected communities have announced that they will give battle and Amnesty International has said it will be by their side.