55UXOuRjI

Chapter 3: Engineered Water
26
IBTs MOVE WATER TO
WHERE IT’S NEEDED
Interbasin Transfer Schemes
South Africa has approximately 26 Interbasin Transfer Schemes (IBTs). These
conveyance schemes move water from one river basin where it is available, to another
basin with less water. The development of IBTs was largely driven by the need to
meet water demand for economic activities located far from water resources. The key
demand centres are metropolitan areas and large towns.
FIGURE 3.2: MAJOR TRANSFER SCHEMES BETWEEN WATER MANAGEMENT AREAS
Source: DBSA State of SA's Economic Infrastructure Report 2012
40%
OF THE WATER IN
THE VAAL RIVER IS
FROM LESOTHO
Lesotho Highlands Water Project
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project was instituted as a bi-national project,
spanning the borders of South Africa and Lesotho, in accordance with a treaty
signed in 1986, to provide water for South Africa and hydroelectricity for Lesotho.
An astounding engineering feat, it diverts water from the Senqu River System in
Lesotho to South Africa’s water-stressed economic hub, the Gauteng region. The
importance of this transfer scheme is highlighted by the fact that 40% of the water in
the Vaal River is from Lesotho.
A multipurpose undertaking, the Lesotho Highlands Water Project transfers 780
million m3 of water and generates 72 megawatts (MW) of hydropower at the Muela
Power Station. Revenue from the sale of raw water from the project amounted to over
R2,708 million in 2010.
The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority is responsible for the project’s overall
implementation works such as dams, tunnels, power stations and infrastructure on
Lesotho’s borders. It reports to the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission (LHWC;
previously the Joint Permanent Technical Commission), a bi-national commission
consisting of three delegates from each country responsible for monitoring the
project. The project is being undertaken in phases.
Water Facts & Futures: Rethinking South Africa’s Water Future | Page
39