In 1960 a British Officer was told to go and survey all the water catchments in Lesotho. The reason this was done was, because of the estimated population growth in South Africa, water being supplied to the mining industry, and also for the farmers. It has taken them about 25 years to complete up until Phase 3. South Africa is paying Lesotho about R 12 Mill. every month for their water.
The Katse Dam, a concrete arch dam on the Malibamat'so River in Lesotho, is Africa's second-largest double-curvature arch dam. The dam is part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which will eventually include five large dams in remote rural areas and is one of the third largest dams in the world. It supplies water to Johannesburg, for mining and Soweto township.
The Katse Dam, a concrete arch dam on the Malibamat'so River in Lesotho, is Africa's second-largest double-curvature arch dam. (The Tekezé Dam, completed in early 2009, is now Africa's largest double curvature dam). The dam is part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which will eventually include five large dams in remote rural areas. The dam is just below the confluence of the Bokong River, which forms the western arm of the Katse reservoir.
The potential of the project was identified by the South African civil engineer Ninham Shand in 1953 as a possible means to supplement the water supply of South Africa's industrial heartland in the Witwatersrand The World Bank arranged a treaty between the governments of South Africa and Lesotho, allowing the project to proceed.
Construction
The dam was built by a consortium of Bouygues, Concor, Group 5, Hochtief, Impregilo, Kier Group, and Sterling International The dam was completed in 1996 and the reservoir was filled with water by 1997. The total cost of the project was US$8 billion. Katse landing strip was constructed 3 kilometers (2 mi) southeast of the dam to facilitate access to the project.
This lodge is situated on the southern shores of the Katse Dam with a beautiful view of the dam.
All rooms have en suite bathrooms with shower, toilet and basin, plug points, and tea/coffee making facilities. Towels and soap were provided. Electricity and hot water.
NO Telephones.
Some single rooms have inter-leading bathrooms to share with the next-door neighbor.
The restaurant offers continental and local cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
TV is available at the bar.
