Treaty on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project between the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Government of the Republic of South Africa signed at Maseru, 24 October 1986

The Treaty provides for the establishment, implementation, operation and maintenance of the Project, which purpose is to enhance the use of the water of the Senqu/Orange River by storing, regulating, diverting and controlling its waters and affluents in order to effect the delivery of specified quantities of water to the Designated Outlet Point in the Republic of South Africa and by utilizing such delivery system to generate hydro-electric power in the Kingdom of Lesotho. Without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph (1) each Party shall be allowed the opportunity to undertake ancillary developments in its territory including: the provision of water for irrigation, potable water supply and other uses, the development of other projects to generate hydro-electric power, etc. Consequent upon the implementation of Sub-phase IA of the Project and in accordance with the provisions of this Article, South Africa undertakes to share with Lesotho, by way of royalty payments, on the basis of fifty-six percent on the part of Lesotho and forty-four percent on the part of South Africa. The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority shall have the responsibility for the implementation, operation and maintenance of that part of the Project situated in the Kingdom of Lesotho, in accordance with the provisions of this Treaty and shall be vested with all powers necessary for the discharge of such responsibilities.