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By Daniel Itai.

Polihali, Lesotho. (News of The South) – International human rights organisation Amnesty International has condemned the the construction of the Polihali Dam following a series of revelations that some displaced people were given as little as the equivalent of just over US$1 dollar as compensation for being resettled.

“The Lesotho authorities must immediately halt all the work on Polihali Dam until it complies with international human rights standards on evictions.

There must be genuine consultations with the affected communities, and compensation for any losses.

As the construction of the Polihali Dam begins with work on the road that leads to the site, people are already being moved out of their homes for resettlement.

Others face losing grazing land for their animals, or the loss of wild fruits and medicinal plants from which they earn a living,” said Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International’s Director for East and Southern Africa.

Upon completion, the Polihali Dam is expected to provide water to South Africa which is on the brink of running out of water.

However, Muchena said South Africa should ensure that the construction of the dam complies with international human rights.
“South Africa, which will benefit from the new water supply, also has an obligation to ensure that the project complies with human rights while pursuing this water deal.

The dam construction could be socially and economically disastrous to the almost 8 000 people living in the affected areas,” said Amnesty International’s Director for East and Southern Africa.

Lawyers representing the affected communities around the Polihali Dam said the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, which is owned by the government of Lesotho had failed to adequately consult and compensate residents ahead of the construction.

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