Name of the Project
Metolong dam and water supply programme (MDWSP).

Location
The project is located 30 km from Maseru, in Lesotho.

Client
The Metolong Programme Implementation Unit (MPIU) of the Metolong Authority is charged with the responsibility of implementing the programme.

Project Description
The project is being implemented by Lesotho as a strategy to provide potable water for commercial and industrial use to Maseru and the towns of Roma, Mazenod, Morija and Teyateyaneng.

The MDWSP, which is being built on the Phuthiatsana river and forms part of a larger programme designed to cater for the long-term water needs of the lowland areas in Lesotho, comprises:

• the construction of the Metolong dam – a 83-m-high, roller-compacted concrete (RCC) dam with a design crest length of 280 m;
• water treatment works;
• a downstream conveyance system;
• an advanced infrastructure plan; and
• environmental and social management.

Potential Job Creation
The project created employment for 3 000 Basotho during its construction phase.

Value
$100-million.

Duration
The project was completed in 2016.

Latest Developments
The new $100-million Metolong Dam in Lesotho has achieved a significant project success this year, with the dam spilling for the first time since its completion in 2016.

Spilling occurs when that the dam is at full capacity, and the dam’s spillway – meant to direct excess water downstream during flood periods – comes into operation. This was the first time the dam was subjected to the full range of stresses it was designed for. The dam passed this test with flying colours.

Metolong dam project manager Beyers Havenga, a Technical Executive at GIBB, has said that the spilling stage is the last test of the integrity of the dam following the construction phase of the project.

“Now we can say that the project was a success. It’s fulfilling its objective, which is to supply water to Maseru and the environs for domestic use, as well as for economic development.”

The project was built using an innovative new concrete blend of ordinary portland cement and pulverised fly ash, which improves workability, reduces the temperature of the mixture when setting and helps to prevent cracking.

The MDWSP forms part of the Lesotho Lowlands Water Project, aimed at improving water supply for r consumption and industry, which has been hampered by an acute water shortage in the mountain kingdom.

According to the World Bank, the new dam supplies water to two-thirds of Lesotho’s two million population.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Arcus Gibb Holdings, in joint venture with Consolidated Consultants for Engineering & Environment (engineering services for the Metolong dam); European Development Funds managed by the European Commission (design of conveyance system) and Ash Resources (fly ash).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
MPIU, tel +266 2232 5789, +266 2232 5804 or email info@metolong.org.ls.