Lesotho Villagers Sue African Development Bank Over Damaging Water Project

Lesotho Villagers Complain of Damage from Water Project Backed by African Development Bank In a scathing complaint filed with the African Development Bank (AfDB), 18 rural communities in Lesotho have accused the bank of funding a multibillion-pound water project that has caused irreparable harm to their livelihoods. The villagers, numbering approximately 1,600, claim that the construction process for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project has ruined fields, polluted water sources, and damaged homes. The complaint, which was submitted to the AfDB in June, demands transparency over planned forced relocations and compensation that the villagers say they have not been consulted on. "We are being pushed out of our ancestral lands without any regard for our well-being or livelihoods," said 'Makhothi Mokhethi, a village elder from one of the affected communities. "The bank's funding has enabled this destruction, and we demand accountability." Background research reveals that the Lesotho Highlands Water Project was initially scheduled to be completed by 2019 but has been delayed due to various technical and logistical issues. The project aims to transport water from landlocked Lesotho to a region containing South Africa, which is facing severe drought. According to experts, the project's construction process involves the creation of massive dams and reservoirs that have altered the natural landscape and disrupted local ecosystems. "The environmental impact assessment for this project was woefully inadequate," said Dr. Mpho Nthunya, a Lesotho-based environmental scientist. "We warned the bank about the potential risks, but our concerns were ignored." In response to the complaint, an AfDB spokesperson stated that the bank is committed to transparency and accountability in its lending practices. "We take all complaints seriously and will investigate this matter thoroughly," said the spokesperson. The Lesotho Highlands Water Project has been touted as a flagship development project for the region, but critics argue that it prioritizes economic interests over social and environmental concerns. As the project continues to face delays and controversy, the villagers' complaint serves as a stark reminder of the need for more inclusive and responsible development practices. Current Status: The AfDB has acknowledged receipt of the complaint and is currently investigating the matter. The bank's investigation will focus on assessing the validity of the villagers' claims and determining whether the project's funding was properly managed. Next Developments: As the investigation unfolds, the villagers are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the AfDB. "We want to know how our land is being used and what compensation we can expect," said Mokhethi. The outcome of this complaint will have significant implications not only for the affected communities but also for the future of development projects in Africa. Additional Perspectives: The Lesotho Highlands Water Project has sparked heated debates among experts, with some arguing that it is a necessary measure to address South Africa's water crisis while others contend that it prioritizes economic interests over social and environmental concerns. As the project continues to face controversy, it remains to be seen whether the AfDB will take concrete steps to address the villagers' concerns. Sources: 'Makhothi Mokhethi, village elder Dr. Mpho Nthunya, Lesotho-based environmental scientist African Development Bank spokesperson *Reporting by Theguardian.*