Metolong Dam Project in Lesotho

In the early 2000s, the bulk of Lesotho’s population living in the country’s lowlands faced acute water crisis despite the mountains holding an abundance of water. The shortage not just left the population perched for months, but it also took a toll on its economy with the main industries such as garment faltering in production.
As the population increased, the situation worsened, rendering it essential to ensure adequate water for the country. The Metolong Dam; co-financed by ADFD and built according to an environmentally sound, socially responsible and financially viable plan, eventually helped address these concerns.
Metolong Dam
Value: US$21.4 million (AED78.60 million)
Funding Year: 2012
A major dam contributing to Lesotho’s sustainable development and socioeconomic advancement by providing most of the potable water for towns and villages around the capital, Maseru. Supplying about 71,000 cubic metres of drinking water to more than 500,000 households each day, the dam has also strengthened the country’s irrigation infrastructure. It is expected to meet the needs of the population until 2025.
The 278-metre bridge across dam has linked riverbanks, significantly shortening the time of travel from surrounding areas. The electricity generated from the dam has brough light and life to thousands of people.