South Africa faces water price rethink as Lesotho calls for deal review

South Africa might have to rethink what it’s paying for water from Lesotho.

The mountain kingdom is raising concerns about the current deal and wants a review of the payments.

Africa correspondent Crystal Orderson explains that a water accord was signed between the two countries in 1986, for Lesotho to supply around 780 million cubic litres of water.

"That provides 60% of our economic hub, Gauteng, with water, which means Gauteng as a province cannot do without the water."

Ordersen explains that the 1986 agreement is to expire in 2044, but the Lesotho government wants to review it.

"It says the deal no longer reflects the economic and development priorities."

Currently, the deal is costing South Africa around $300 million, which accounts for about 10% of Lesotho's GDP.

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The water provided comes from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which also generates hydropower for Lesotho.

Phase II of the project is expected to boost water supply in the next couple of years to over 100 billion cubic litres, but delays and costs have meant some communities still struggle to get enough water.

As far as reviewing the deal, Ordersen says the South African government has, so far, remained silent.

To listen to Orderson in conversation with CapeTalk's Clarence Ford, use the audio player below: