Katse Dam, Concrete arch dam in Maluti Mountains, Lesotho
Katse Dam is a concrete arch structure spanning 710 meters across the Malibamat'so River with a height of 185 meters. The reservoir holds massive amounts of water that powers hydroelectric generation while also transferring water to neighboring regions through underground channels.
The location was identified in the mid-20th century as suitable for a major water project. Construction began in the early 1990s and finished in the middle of the decade, transforming the landscape and the region's water management.
Local communities carry memories of displacement tied to this place, as many families had to leave their homes when the reservoir filled. The site now holds meaning as a symbol of both development and loss for the Basotho people.
You can walk along the top of the dam for wide views across the water and mountains. Marked pathways guide you through the site, and there are designated viewpoints where you can stop and take in the surroundings.
Water is channeled through an underground tunnel system spanning about 45 kilometers to industrial areas in a neighboring country. This water transfer arrangement is an example of how two nations cooperate to manage shared water resources.
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