African Monitor

04/03/2026

26/02/2026

The Civil Society Forum on the New Development Bank (CSF-NDB), convened a media briefing on the impacts of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) phase II. The briefing followed a site visit to communities in Lesotho that have been affected by the development.

The discussion raised the following issues:
- Loss of land and livelihoods
- Homes
- Water infrastructure
- Delayed and inadequate compensation
- Heightened vulnerabilities of women and girls.

The briefing amplified community voices, highlighted gaps in safeguarding and accountability within development finance, and called for stronger media and civil society action.

There is an urgent need to hold development authorities and governments accountable.

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25/02/2026

Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) – including the construction of the Polihali Dam and related infrastructure – is having far-reaching impacts in Mokhotlong District.

Communities are facing loss of land and livelihoods, damage to homes and water systems, delayed or inadequate compensation, and disruption to cultural heritage. Women and girls are particularly affected, with increased social and economic vulnerabilities.

As development progresses, affected communities must be meaningfully supported, fairly compensated, and protected.

18/02/2026

The Public Policy Hub (PPH) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for two Research Fellow positions under a three-year fellowship programme, renewable annually, subject to satisfactory performance.

The fellowships will focus on the localisation of the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment System (SEIAS) at the municipal level and offer competitive remuneration commensurate with
qualifications and experience.

Applicants should hold a Master’s or PhD degree in Economics or a closely related field and have demonstrated experience working with the public sector.

For more information DM African Monitor

06/02/2026

The Human Impact of Development.

Residents of Mokhotlong are speaking out about how the Polihali Dam under the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) has affected their land, livelihoods and social fabric. From forced displacement and loss of grazing land to rising social and economic pressures, communities say development is coming at a painful cost.

Read the full article by The Post to hear their voices and understand why community rights must be at the centre of development.

Article link: https://tinyurl.com/4d696bsw

06/02/2026

African Monitor was on the ground with the community.
It is heartbreaking to see people lose their homes and livelihoods for development

06/02/2026

How can societies work better together to deliver the SDGs—especially in challenging political and civic environments?

Our latest report, Bridging the Divide, shares insights from 46 organisations across 32 countries, highlighting emerging good practices in cross-society collaboration, resilience, and inclusive governance.

From innovative multi-stakeholder platforms to practical strategies that endure political change, this research offers lessons for governments, civil society, and development practitioners working towards Agenda 2030 and beyond.

📘 Read the report and explore what’s working, where, and why.
https://sdgglobalforum.org/knowledge-learning/detail?tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Bday%5D=28&tx_news_pi1%5Bmonth%5D=01&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=114&tx_news_pi1%5Byear%5D=2026&cHash=69a7a09551129984d5ceea14ba6e5c2a

03/02/2026

The LHWP is a promise of development, but behind that promise lies whole communities facing uncertainty, displacement and loss of their basic Human Rights.