Issued by: Ministry of Water Affairs & Forestry
24 October 1996
A major attempt to secure the involvement of non-governmental organisations in the implementation of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project was announced today (24 October) by Prof Kader Asmal, MP, Minister of Water Affairs & Forestry, when he addressed the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Project.
He conceded that complaints about progress and the status of implementation of some social and environmental issues on phase 1A had tarnished the image of the project.
"I have instructed the South African delegates on the Joint Permanent Technical Commission to make sure that any outstanding claims from people who feel they have suffered in any ways a result of the project, and have not been properly compensated, he dealt with fairly and with compassion, even if it means providing assistance to do so," he said.
He had suggested creating a community advisory office in the project area, staffed by NGOs to act as an intermediary be the authority. This office could help local people understand their rights, formulate and present their claims, complaints and suy help to communicate with localith NGOs and harnessing their expnments of Lesoto and South Africa could develop a path-breaking partcipatory process through which the local people could take part in discussions and decisions that impact directly on their lives.
"I am also convinced that NGOs have an important role to play in assisting the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority continually to monitor and assess the social and environmental impacts of this project,: he said.
Inquiries and full text of speech, phone Themba Khumalo (021) 457246 Communication Services Ministry of Water Affairs & Forestry