The Survivors of Lesotho Dams (SOLD) says communities affected by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHDP), have resolved to challenge the inclusion of fifty years compensation period within the Polihali Compensation Policy without their consent.

The SOLD chairman Mr Lenka Thetso said the position of the communities affected by dams is to have direct benefits from the dams, and that the Ha-Makotoko and Ha-Ratau communities which have been affected by the Metolong Dam, are bitter that the water pipes from the Metolong Dam are taking water to Mazenod, Morija and Teya-Teyaneng leaving them without a drop of water.

Mr Thetso explained that the Ha-Makotoko and Ha-Ratau communities argue that they are in the Metolong catchment, but they have not been included in the water scheme.

He said in regard to this communities of these areas have decided to challenge these issues by court action, mass action at the end of April this year, and by engagement with the two parliaments of Lesotho and South Africa.

He also indicated that the communities have further resolved to take their grievances before the chairman of the Public Account Committee (PAC), who has agreed that he would accept their grievances if they have tangible proof.