270 MW units).
The project proponent is the DRC Ministry of Energy. Pre‐feasibility studies were concluded in 2011
financed by the AfDB. The next project development stage is feasibility studies to be conducted in
2012, followed by final designs in 2013 and tendering for construction in 2014. Construction of the
project is expected to start in 2015 and will be completed in 2017.
The estimated total project costs are US$8 billion. The project can be considered to be in Phase 4 of
the ICA Project Development Phases.Possible project financiers are the AfDB, DBSA and the WB.
The major project challenge is timely sourcing of project finances.
Lesotho Highlands Phase II (Project RG‐2)
The total project was originally conceived to transfer 70 m3/s from the upper portions of the Lesotho
Highlands into the Vaal River Basin. The aim of Phase II is to deliver more water by gravity to the Vaal
River system in South Africa. Phase II is expected to increase surface water storage in Lesotho by 2.2 x
106 m3, the existing hydropower generation capacity in Lesotho by 1 200 MW to the benefit of both
local and regional power consumption.
From the social and environmental perspective, it is estimated that about 17 000 people from 72
villages will be affected and compensated accordingly, and will further benefit from improved water
supply and sanitation services.
The project proponents are the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) and the Lesotho
Highlands Water Commission (LHWC). Pre‐feasibility studies were concluded in 2011, financed by the
DBSA. The next project development stage is feasibility studies to be conducted in 2012, followed by
final designs in 2013 and tendering for construction in 2014. Construction of the project is expected
to start in 2015 and will be completed in 2020.
The estimated total project costs are US$1.001 billion. The project can be considered to be in Phase 3
of the ICA Project Development Phases. Possible project financiers are the AfDB and DBSA.
The major project challenges include:
The resettlement and timely compensation of the 3 300 families from the 72 villages;
Conclusion of the royalties and water purchase agreements between Lesotho and South
Africa; and
The timely sourcing of project finances.
Batoka Hydro‐electric Scheme (Project RG‐3)
The objective of the Batoka Hydro‐electric Scheme is to increase the power generation capacity of
Zambia and Zimbabwe and reduce reliance on coal‐fired power stations, which are expensive to
operate and maintain and are associated with greenhouse gas emissions. The project has the
potential to make both Zambia and Zimbabwe power exporters after meeting local needs. The
Batoka Hydro‐electric Scheme involves the construction of a 1 680 x 106 m3 capacity dam, with two
underground power stations producing a total of 1 600 MW. Two townships will be established at
Batoka, one in Zambia and the other in Zimbabwe, with a combined total population of about
200 000 people who will have adequate water supply and sanitation services.
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