The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) has marked the 40th anniversary of the landmark treaty that gave birth to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) by launching an ambitious campaign to plant 40,000 trees across its project areas, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and community development.
The “40,000 Trees for 40 Years” initiative was launched at Ha-Molapo in Butha-Buthe on July 31, commemorating four decades since Lesotho and South Africa signed the bilateral treaty that established one of Africa’s largest water infrastructure projects.
Rather than limiting the anniversary to ceremonial celebrations, LHDA has chosen to leave a lasting environmental legacy through a campaign that will see fruit trees, fuelwood species and other suitable indigenous trees planted across Butha-Buthe, Katse, Mohale and Polihali.
The programme is expected to strengthen the country’s water catchments, improve household food security and create income-generating opportunities for communities living around the project’s infrastructure.
Speaking on behalf of LHDA, Public Relations Manager Mpho Brown said the campaign was designed to ensure the authority’s 40th anniversary leaves a lasting impact beyond the celebrations.
“The success of this campaign will not be measured simply by the number of seedlings planted, but by how many survive, are cared for by communities and continue to provide environmental and household benefits for generations,” Brown said.
He said the initiative reflects the vision that guided the signing of the LHWP Treaty four decades ago.
“When the treaty establishing the LHWP was signed 40 years ago, LHDA committed itself to making a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of Basotho living in project areas. This programme contributes to that vision by improving livelihoods while strengthening environmental conservation,” he said.
Brown added that promoting a healthy and sustainable environment remains central to the authority’s mission of improving the quality of life for Basotho.
The launch was attended by senior government officials, including Minister of Forestry, Range and Soil Conservation Thabo Mofosi, ministry officials, conservation partners and community representatives.
Mofosi commended LHDA for using its anniversary to invest in environmental protection and rural livelihoods instead of merely celebrating the milestone.
He noted that the first 500 fruit trees planted at Ha-Molapo would improve household nutrition while creating opportunities for families to earn income through fruit production, preservation and sales.
“Environmental protection is fundamental to the sustainability of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project,” Mofosi said.
“LHDA’s work of collecting and storing water for both Lesotho and South Africa contributes significantly to our economy, but we can only continue to have sufficient water in our dams if we protect our environment.”
He further encouraged communities to rehabilitate degraded land and plant pasture grass alongside trees to strengthen soil conservation and protect vital water catchments.
The initiative also highlights the growing importance of environmental conservation to Lesotho’s economy. Healthy catchments help reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and safeguard the long-term performance of the country’s multi-billion-maloti water infrastructure, while fruit trees provide households with additional sources of food and income.
District Forestry Coordinator Lineo Basi welcomed LHDA’s continued partnership with the Ministry of Forestry and Environment, saying the collaboration has become instrumental in advancing conservation efforts in Butha-Buthe.
She stressed the importance of developing long-term management plans to ensure the newly planted trees are protected and continue delivering benefits as they mature.
Representing the Ha-Molapo Community Council, Poloko Mashaile welcomed the programme as an important investment in community livelihoods, but cautioned that water shortages could threaten the survival of the trees.
He urged residents to take ownership of the initiative by protecting the trees and supporting development programmes introduced in their communities.
Brown also acknowledged the technical support provided by the Ministry of Forestry and Environment and thanked the Ministry of Natural Resources, LHDA’s line ministry, for its continued support of the authority’s programmes and 40th anniversary commemorations.
The Butha-Buthe launch marks the first phase of the campaign, with tree-planting activities set to continue in Katse, Mohale and Polihali over the coming months until the target of 40,000 trees is reached.
LHDA has also invited government departments, private companies, schools, community organisations and development partners to participate, positioning the initiative as a nationwide effort to build environmental resilience while improving rural livelihoods.
Summary
- The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) has marked the 40th anniversary of the landmark treaty that gave birth to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) by launching an ambitious campaign to plant 40,000 trees across its project areas, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and community development.
- “When the treaty establishing the LHWP was signed 40 years ago, LHDA committed itself to making a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of Basotho living in project areas.
- Brown also acknowledged the technical support provided by the Ministry of Forestry and Environment and thanked the Ministry of Natural Resources, LHDA’s line ministry, for its continued support of the authority’s programmes and 40th anniversary commemorations.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
