Oxbow Hydropower ESIA contract awarded
The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) has awarded the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) contract for the Oxbow Hydropower Scheme to a joint venture comprising Italy’s ELC Electroconsult, Lesotho’s Greenway Consultancy and South Africa’s Green Gold Group.
The R12.5-million contract, awarded in mid-November, is expected to be completed within a year, starting in January 2025.
This marks a significant step forward in the development of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP).
The ESIA contract follows the Oxbow Hydropower design and construction supervision contract awarded earlier in November.
The Oxbow Hydropower Scheme is a key component of Phase II of the LHWP, alongside the already underway Polihali dam and Polihali transfer tunnel.
The scope of the ESIA includes the comprehensive ESIA; development of environmental and social management plans and specialist studies; adherence to Lesotho's Environment Act of 2008 and international standards such as the IFC performance standards; supporting the application for a record of decision; informing site selection, engineering designs, construction specifications, as well as environmental and social monitoring requirements; and project management and contract administration.
The Oxbow Hydropower Scheme will feature a dam on the Malibamatso river, a gated intake structure, a headrace tunnel, a surface powerhouse and associated infrastructure.
It will also necessitate the diversion of the existing A1 national road and the construction of a diversion weir and transfer tunnel discharging to the ‘Muela reservoir.
Phase II builds upon the successful completion of Phase I of the LHWP in 2003.
The Oxbow Hydropower Scheme is a crucial step towards Lesotho achieving energy independence and reducing reliance on imported energy. It will contribute significantly to meeting the country's growing electricity demands.
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