Name and Location
Monontša pumped-storage scheme, Lesotho.

Project Description
The proposed project entails the construction of a pumped-storage scheme, in Lesotho. The scheme could potentially yield 1 000 MW of peaking capacity for consumption in Lesotho and South Africa.

Several sites for the project were reportedly assessed by South African State-owned utility Eskom for their hydropower potential, with Monontša being identified as a possible site.

That initial reconnaissance study sought sites with an elevation of between 400 m and 1 000 m that could also accommodate dams capable of storing about 20-million cubic metres of water, both at the top and at the bottom of the mountain.

Value
The value of the project has not been disclosed.

Duration
Not stated.

Client
Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC).

Key Contracts and Suppliers
African Development Bank (funding).

Latest Developments
The Lesotho government has secured a loan and a grant from the African Development Bank's African Development Fund to study power supply projects, under the Lesotho Electricity Supply Project, part of which would be used to cover the cost of the pumped-storage prefeasibility study.

Further, LEC has issued a request for expressions of interest from consulting firms able to conduct a prefeasibility study of the development of the pumped-storage scheme. The winning bidder will be required to conduct a topographical survey of the entire site; assess geological and geotechnical conditions; propose dam types and locations; make an assessment of reservoir capacities; complete hydrology and siltation studies; assess environmental and social impacts; propose a preliminary design of all main components of the scheme; and provide an opinion on the technical and economic feasibility of the scheme. A short list of six firms will be compiled from the bids received.

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
LEC, tel +26622 312 236, fax +266 22 310 093 or email info@lec.co.ls.