The Katse dam is the first of several dams planned to be built in Lesotho as part of a co-operative agreements between their government and the government of South Africa. The scheme – dubbed the 'Lesotho Highlands Water Project', has several aims and intends to benefit both countries. The aims include the provision of water to South Africa, and the provision of water and hydropower electricity to Lesotho. Additional benefits to Lesotho have been tourism opportunities and a boost to local industry, including two trout farms. South Africa provided the infrastructure to build the impressive structure, including tarring a road from the border in northern Lesotho to the site of the dam.
The dam itself is remarkable feat of engineering, with its biconcave concrete wall embedded deep into the rocks on either side.
The tour of the dam includes a walk inside the massive wall, which has 7 stories each 11 metres high, and a system of drains to capture excess water seeping through the rocks.
The water project, although initially intended for 6 dams, has so far only included two, with plans for a third having been delayed and the site changed.
Cache contains a pencil and sharpener, 2 buttons, 1 Zimbabwean cent, a marble and a keyring. Please replace cache as found and watch out for Lesotho herder muggles.
Enjoy the beauty of the blue water stretching out between the hills, and take in the breathtaking Lesotho mountain scenery!