{"id":23868,"date":"2023-01-10T17:59:56","date_gmt":"2023-01-10T17:59:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/lesotho\/all-news\/report-raises-alarm-over-mines-pollution-of-rivers-critical-to-lesotho-highlands-water-project"},"modified":"2023-01-10T18:20:11","modified_gmt":"2023-01-10T18:20:11","slug":"report-raises-alarm-over-mines-pollution-of-rivers-critical-to-lesotho-highlands-water-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/lesotho\/all-news\/report-raises-alarm-over-mines-pollution-of-rivers-critical-to-lesotho-highlands-water-project","title":{"rendered":"Report raises alarm over mines\u2019 pollution of rivers critical to Lesotho Highlands Water Project"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Lesotho. <\/strong><\/span>Lesotho depends heavily on the more than M1.1-billion in royalties that South Africa pays for the water it receives annually from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). This is equivalent to about 5% of Lesotho\u2019s annual budget and far outweighs the income from mining. Toxic rivers<\/p>\n

The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), which monitors and manages the LHWP, says operations at the Lets\u030ceng Diamond Mine, Storm Mountain Diamonds (Kao) and the Liqhobong Diamond Mine continue to pollute water sources critical in the project catchment areas in Mokhotlong and Botha-Bothe.<\/p>\n

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Subscribe This is despite the mines\u2019 repeated promises to mitigate nitrate contamination during joint meetings chaired by the environment department. South Africa has also repeatedly complained about this mining-based pollution.<\/p>\n

Former South African high commissioner to Lesotho Sello Moloto warned in an exclusive interview with MNN earlier this year that failure to address this would eventually lead to a situation where \u201cthese big dams will remain empty\u201d.<\/p>\n

In an exclusive interview with MNN, Lesotho water commissioner Mokake Mojakisane said Lesotho had \u201ccommitted to keep the quality of that water within acceptable standards to ensure that when transferred to South Africa, it is safe for drinking\u201d.<\/p>\n

Mojakisane argues that Lesotho\u2019s commitment to transfer clean water to South Africa \u201cdoes not mean that our economic activities must be halted simply because the water is being transferred to South Africa\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe issue of mining in general \u2013 I am not justifying that mines must pollute \u2013 has pollution challenges, even South Africa has similar challenges. Theirs are even worse rising from acid mine drainage and that is a known fact. \u201d<\/p>\n

A highly placed government source, who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation, said that \u201cthis (the Lesotho government\u2019s attitude) is a dangerously misguided assessment that is not backed up by data and also fails to consider how lack of protection of water sources from mine pollution will decrease availability of clean water\u201d for domestic use as well as for transfer to South Africa and Botswana under the pipelined Makhaleng project.<\/p>\n

Lesotho\u2019s King Letsie III bemoaned the \u201cever-deteriorating state of water sources in Africa\u201d at the International High-Level Panel for Water Investments in Africa event during World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden, on 30 August.<\/p>\n

Many rural communities in Lesotho already do not have access to clean water. LHDA confidential report In May, the LHDA produced a confidential report fingering Lets\u030ceng, Kao and Liqhobong as nitrate polluters in the Mokhotlong and Botha-Bothe catchment areas.<\/p>\n

The three mines, along with the Mothae Kimberlite Mine, are strategically located upstream from lifeline rivers feeding the highlands water project, which was built to address water shortages in Gauteng, South Africa\u2019s economic hub.<\/p>\n

MNN has seen the LHDA report, titled Mining Impact in the LHWP Catchments. It states: \u201cFollowing complaints from LHDA, [the] department of environment established a mining environment forum to address issues of pollution in the catchments.<\/p>\n

\u201d It adds: \u201cAlthough mines have promised to address these issues, the level of nitrate pollution remains the same. \u201d Lets\u030ceng pollution<\/p>\n

The chart below, from the LHDA\u2019s confidential report, shows that laboratory-tested samples taken from the Khubelu River (downstream from the Lets\u030ceng Diamonds Mine) contain nitrate levels over 120 milligrams per litre (mg\/l).<\/p>\n

South African National Standards 241:2015 for drinking water put the maximum contaminant level for nitrate in public drinking water at 11mg\/l. According to South Africa\u2019s Aquatic Laboratories, drinking water with elevated nitrate levels \u201chas the potential to cause tiredness and the failure to thrive\u201d in humans.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the common effect and is chronic in nature. In extreme cases, cyanosis and difficulty in breathing in bottle-fed infants under the age of one year may occur\u201d. The chart also shows that nitrate contamination in the Senqu and Mokhotlong rivers was just below 20mg\/l.<\/p>\n

These rivers, which are not within the Lets\u030ceng catchment area or near any mine in the district, reflect slightly elevated levels of nitrates because of fertilisers used in farming.<\/p>\n

Also in May, the Lets\u030ceng Diamond Mine released a public statement saying its ongoing water analysis over the years indicated an \u201cincrease in nitrates in our water due mainly to mining explosives\u2019 residue\u201d.<\/p>\n

The mine released the statement in response to MNN\u2019s expose\u0301 on how the mine secretly admitted that its operations were polluting water sources that the Patising and Maloraneng communities depend on.<\/p>\n

The statement said: \u201cThe most recent independent water quality assessment conducted through an accredited laboratory, confirmed that nitrate levels in the Khubelu surface water sources at the downstream communities of Patising and Maloraneng have consistently been within the drinking water standards including over the October 2021-April 2022 period mentioned in media reports.
\nContrary to Lets\u030ceng\u2019s argument that the MNN report relied on research by the Maluti Community Development Forum into the mine\u2019s impact on water sources, which was carried out by an unaccredited National University of Lesotho laboratory, the LHDA testing was carried out by an accredited laboratory in Bloemfontein.<\/p>\n

The LHDA did not want to make the name of the laboratory public. MNN is also engaging with Gem Diamonds, the company that owns the Lests\u030ceng Diamond Mine, on the question of water pollution.<\/p>\n

Once obtained, this response will be included in a follow-up story. As shown in the chart below, nitrate levels in the Malibamats\u030co River above the Kao mine were below zero. But, below the mine the (effluent 1 and 2) tests conducted between May 2017 and February 2022 recorded nitrate levels between 20.0mg\/l and 110mg\/I.<\/p>\n

The LHDA confidential report further shows that nitrate pollution of the Kao mine above the river was significantly high, while the pollution was not picked up in the river below the mine.<\/p>\n

In 2018, a parliament-sanctioned task team exposed shocking details of how Kao mine spilled 25 000 litres of waste into Kao River and down to Malibamats\u030co River, contaminating Lesotho\u2019s lucrative \u201cwhite gold\u201d downstream into Katse Dam.<\/p>\n

Read in Daily Maverick: \u201cLesotho communities blame diamond mine pollution for trail of sickness, death and \u2018poisoned pasture\u2019\u201d Questioned about the levels of nitrate in the water, Kao mine chief executive Mohale Ralikariki argued that it is incorrect to say the mine is polluting the river with nitrate.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe nitrate levels measured at the sampling sites are largely under the required threshold. SMD [Kao mine] uses ammonium nitrate-based explosives in the pit for blasting.<\/p>\n

The nitrates therefore build up over time and are in excess in the vicinity of the mine,\u201d Ralikariki told MNN in an exclusive interview. He said the mine only releases polluted water into the natural resources in \u201cexceptional situations\u201d and that this release is regulated and done in a responsible manner.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is usually done during the rainy season when there is an excess of water.<\/p>\n

Due to the heavy rains that we have been experiencing, that then causes severe pressure on our water-holding facilities on the mine and threatening their integrity.<\/p>\n

\u201d Ralikariki says Kao has never made any mitigation promises to the LHDA. Liqhobong pollution<\/p>\n

Laboratory testing between January 2017 and January 2022 of the Motete River, which is below the Liqhobong mine, also confirmed nitrate pollution. Several attempts to obtain a comment from Liqhobong were unsuccessful. However, its website acknowledges that the mine \u201coperates in an environmentally sensitive area\u201d.<\/p>\n

It also concedes that because the water from the Motete and Malibamats\u030co rivers flow into the Katse Dam, \u201cthere is a risk that the mining operations could impact the immediate environment or cause contamination to the downstream aquatic system\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cRegular tests are conducted on water, air and noise pollution to ensure that all disturbances are within acceptable limits.<\/p>\n

Any deviations are identified and corrective action is taken immediately,\u201d reads Liqhobong\u2019s latest financials posted on its website. But, none of these water test results is published on the website.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the LHDA confidential report concluded: \u201cLHDA continues to undertake water-quality monitoring and catchment surveillance in these catchments and is building long-term data to determine the level of influence of these operations [mines] on the quality of water and to engage with the operators on mitigation measures.<\/p>\n

\u201d<\/p>\n

The report further states that the authority shared its intention to undertake cumulative environmental and social assessment studies, and that the purpose of the cumulative study is to \u201cbetter understand the impacts of all developments in the catchments on the environment and on the project\u201d.<\/p>\n

LHDA boss on mine pollution Responding to media questions in June this year, LHDA chief executive Tente Tente said the cumulative study is \u201cmuch wider than just the mining activities\u201d and that the authority \u201ccontinuously engages the mines on water pollution and mitigation\u201d.<\/p>\n

The LHDA Act does not give the body authority to sue persons or companies polluting water sources critical to the project. However, Mojakisane says it is the responsibility of the departments of water affairs and environment to act against polluters.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have an ongoing water-quality management programme where we are sampling on a monthly basis the inflows into our areas. We are monitoring the nitrate and other heavy metals in the system. We have a threshold in terms of what can be tolerable, where there is exceedance, we raise those issues with our other colleagues.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn terms of our engagement with the department of environment and the mining industry, yes there is a committee that was set up where there is a representation from us, the mining community, and it\u2019s chaired by the department of environment,\u201d said Tente, adding that there is a willingness to collaborate and ensure that stakeholders don\u2019t step on each other\u2019s toes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI cannot say that what we are seeing [nitrate pollution] currently is consistent.<\/p>\n

You have spikes here and there; maybe exceeding the thresholds more during the dry months because there is less water to dilute whatever is coming in, but as the rains come through, there is more dilution and they tend to fall back to acceptable levels,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The water ministry is the second-leading source of revenue for the Lesotho government, with water royalties generating M1.1-billion in the 2021\/22 financial year, according to the government\u2019s budget revenue estimates.<\/p>\n

Lesotho further generated income of M58-million through the Muela Hydropower Station, a component of the LHWP, in the 2021\/22 fiscal year. Income for water royalties for 2022\/23 will be an estimated M1.2-billion, and M1.3-billion for 2023\/24.<\/p>\n

The same budget estimates indicate that the mining ministry is fourth among the top five revenue-generating ministries. Mining generated its highest revenue in 2021\/22 \u2013 M207-million.<\/p>\n

The ministry is expected to earn the country M217,794,326 in 2022\/23 and M228,684,043 in 2023\/24. This means mining generated 7.9% of the revenue from the water ministry in the 2021\/22 financial year.<\/p>\n

A government source, who can\u2019t be identified because he is not sanctioned to speak to the media, said this should incentivise Lesotho to change its attitude to the protection and preservation of its water sources.<\/p>\n

Too broke to monitor water quality? Section 8 of the Lesotho Water Act of 2008 states that the \u201cCommissioner [of water] shall produce a state of water resources report once every year\u201d. However, the ministry\u2019s water affairs hydrologist, Nthati Toae, says the department is unable to perform its lawful duties due to a lack of funds.<\/p>\n

She confirms that the LHDA has repeatedly complained about the mining pollution in its catchment area and that her department has requested the LHDA to provide evidence that the mines were polluting water to \u201cform a basis on the extent of water pollution by the mine\u201d.<\/p>\n

This is because her department does not have enough funds for water-monitoring exercises and relies on institutions such as the LHDA for data. \u201cWe are unable to periodically monitor water quality and take polluters to task because we operate on a shoestring budget.<\/p>\n

Because of a lack of resources, we had to abandon monitoring rivers and only do water quality reports in three rivers \u2013 Mohokare, Senqu and Makhaleng,\u201d Toae said.<\/p>\n

She says the department last carried out water quality monitoring exercises in these three rivers in 2020. Asked why the government does not act on the LHDA water tests and results, Toae said the government needs to conduct its own, independent tests.<\/p>\n

MNN elevated the matter to former minister of water, Kemiso Mosenene, who referred all questions back to Mojakisane. \u201cBudget availability is based on the economy of the country, maybe we would do better if we were in America.<\/p>\n

But, even if there is that budget challenge, mines have an obligation of monitoring and reporting on environmental impacts,\u201d Mojakisane said. He argues: \u201cWater Affairs cannot just confirm that the LHDA has complained and end it there, it has the law on [its] side, and it has got the stick.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t even know how the ministry can come in because the person (Water Affairs) who is confirming this, has got the law on her side to crack the whip.<\/p>\n

\u201d Mojakisane says he is shocked that the departments of environment and water have not taken action against the polluting mines.<\/p>\n

In a separate interview, director of the environment department Motsamai Damane said it was impractical for his department to take action against polluting mines.<\/p>\n

Although the department has the right to withdraw mining licences, he told MNN that it is politically difficult for government ministries to be seen fighting each other in court.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s only that it is not an easy thing to do because now if the department of environment withdraws or takes to court the ministry of mining, you understand [the delicacy of this matter],\u201d said Damane.<\/p>\n

Commissioner of mines Pheello Tjatja refused to comment on the matter, saying: \u201cThese questions are relevant to the department of environment since they are the ones that issue environment clearances, so they ensure compliance.<\/p>\n

\u201d Meanwhile, the department of water affairs is also failing to perform its lawful duty to preserve and protect wetlands.<\/p>\n

In her 2020 audit report on the government\u2019s consolidated financials, then acting auditor-general Monica Besetsa said wetlands are the key \u201csources of water of Lesotho\u2019s main rivers\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cRecent interviews with the chief technical officer revealed that monitoring activities were not undertaken on a quarterly basis due to lack of transport and that the last monitoring was done in 2013, hence [there have been] no monitoring reports,\u201d read Besetsa\u2019s report.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever, the monitoring exercise was done only on wetlands in Mokhotlong at the source of the Senqu basin \u2013 namely Khubelu, Phapong, Ramosetsa, Mots\u030ceremeli, Khalo-la-Lithunya and Kotisephola wetlands \u2014 and they were constantly being rehabilitated under the support of Deutsche Gesellschafts fur Internationale (GIZ),\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She further noted that there were inadequate resources in terms of human resources and transport, \u201cwhich significantly contributed to the destruction of wetlands, as their status was not known, as well as the extinction of ecosystems around them\u201d.<\/p>\n

According to ReNoka, a citizen movement engaging all communities living and working within the Orange-Senqu River basin to collectively protect and restore land and water for shared prosperity, says communities in Lesotho have felt the harsh impact of climate change.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe global impact of climate change has been felt in Lesotho, threatening livelihoods as severe weather cycles of flooding and droughts have become more frequent with each passing decade,\u201d states the ReNoka website.<\/p>\n

ReNoka suggests that in addition to building a resilient river basin capable of serving future generations, a number of steps must be taken that address social, political, economic and environmental challenges together.<\/p>\n

These included working with local leaders and communities at community and national levels to support and strengthen capacities and financing. \u201cGood policies are effective when there are strong instruments put in place for enforcement.<\/p>\n

To help enforce laws and regulations outlined in policies, we need strong institutions that will regulate, enhance accountability, implement and monitor policies.<\/p>\n

\u201d Attempts to obtain comment from South Africa\u2019s Department of Water and Sanitation were unsuccessful despite our questions being acknowledged.
\n
\n<\/p>\n

For More News And Analysis About Lesotho<\/a> Follow Africa-Press<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Lesotho. Lesotho depends heavily on the more than M1.1-billion in royalties that South Africa pays for the water it receives annually from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). This is equivalent to about 5% of Lesotho\u2019s annual budget and far outweighs the income from mining. Toxic rivers The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":23867,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,6,7,8,11],"tags":[233,246,245,470],"class_list":["post-23868","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-news","category-files","category-head-lines","category-homepage-english","category-photo","tag-africa-press","tag-africa-press-lesotho","tag-lesotho","tag-south-africa"],"yoast_head":"\nReport raises alarm over mines\u2019 pollution of rivers critical to Lesotho Highlands Water Project - Lesotho<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Lesotho depends heavily on the more than M1.1-billion in royalties that South Africa pays for the water it receives annu ...\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, 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