Framework Law
The main law applicable to water resources management, which covers all of the following areas: administration; management, conservation and use of freshwater resources; water rights; waterworks; water supply
Constitutional provisions
Date of text: 27 March 1993
Right to water: No provisions regarding the right to water.
Natural resources: The National Planning Board shall, among other things, prepare plans for the economic development of Lesotho, including in particular the development, conservation and use of land and other natural resources (Art. 105). Lesotho shall adopt policies designed to protect and enhance the natural and cultural environment of Lesotho and shall endeavour to assure to all citizens a sound and safe environment adequate for their health and well-being (Sect. 36).
Agriculture
Water used for irrigation, forestry and aquaculture
Water Supply and Sanitation
Provision of water services by public utilities or commercial organizations; water supply for domestic, industrial or other purposes; right to safe and clean drinking water and basic sanitation; quality of piped water; sewerage
Date of text: 21 August 2013
Date of text: 21 August 2013
Governance
The political, social, economic and administrative systems that govern water management and conservation; good practices; good governance; decentralization; water user’s associations
Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourse Systems in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Date of text: 07 August 2000
Infrastructure
Waterworks; water supply systems; dams; hydropower systems; irrigation systems
Water Resources Management and Water Rights
Ownership and control of water resources; abstraction and diversion of water; allocation and quotas; riparian rights; priority of rights; free water use
Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourse Systems in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Date of text: 07 August 2000
Water and Environment
Water in environmentally-sensitive areas; ‘water demand’ by ecosystems; protection forests; water conservation zones; environmental impact assessment
Water Quality and Pollution Control
Control of pollution and quality of freshwater bodies and groundwater; agricultural point and non-point sources of pollution; water quality standards
Date of text: 11 July 2003
Groundwater
Freshwater resources located below the surface of the earth; aquifers; groundwater abstraction; well-sinking; boreholes; hydrogeology
Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourse Systems in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Date of text: 07 August 2000
Disaster Resilience
Water-related hazards; flood; drought; water shortage; adaptation to climate change; early warning system/emergency intervention system
Transboundary Waters
Transboundary effects; international basin institutions; international agreements; transboundary coordination; transboundary aquifers
Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourse Systems in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Date of text: 07 August 2000
Date of text: 11 July 2003