Lesothos development is significantly aided by the (Lesotho Highlands Water Project) LHWP-I, a project that offers a vast water supply from Lesotho to South Africa. In exchange for giving Lesotho money, energy, and large-scale development projects, South Africa profited from the enriched water resources of Lesotho. Owing to the initial success of LHWP-I, both nations decided to move forward with LHWP-II, the second phase of the project, which is scheduled for completion in 2027.This article aims to establish the impact of LHWP-II towards Lesothos sustainable development process as per United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework. To comprehend these consequences, secondary sources of data such as academic journals, government publications, non-governmental documentations, etc., were examined. In consideration for the prospective outcomes of LHWP-II, the project plans of execution were analysed. Thus, it was determined that the implementation of LHWP-II has the potential to enhance Lesotho to achieve a number of SDGs. These include SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, and 16 that are related to no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, industry innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, life on land and peace, justice and strong institutions, respectively. However, the study established that the project encounters a difficult factor in the compensation process for local re-settlers, even though the study found favourable results in improving Lesothos stagnated level of performance towards reaching the SDGs. The study can lead to the development of more trustworthy frameworks and techniques for measuring the long-term effects of efforts on social, economic, and environmental dimensions.

sustainable development goals

Lesotho Highlands Water Project

Lesotho

South Africa