Maseru, Mar.03—Author, Professor John Aerni-Flessner in collaboration with the National University of Lesotho’s (NUL) Department of Historical Studies launched his new book, “White Gold and Thirsty Communities: The Cold War, Apartheid and the Lesotho Highlands Water Project”.
The launch was witnessed by students, lecturers, ORASECOM representatives and water stakeholders at the event held at Roma on Tuesday. The book is described as a critical examination of development, water resources, and the history of Lesotho.
In his remarks, Professor Aerni-Flessner said the book examines the Lesotho Highlands Water Project as a symbol of inequality and geopolitical tension. He said it also explores the historical, political and social dynamics surrounding the major water infrastructure project.
“The book investigates the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, analyzing its impact on local communities and its broader, complex history”, he said.
Additionally it addresses the role of the Cold War and apartheid in shaping this infrastructure, while portraying it as a symbol of inequality and unfulfilled promises in the region.
On the other hand, Dean of Faculty of Humanities Dr. Ts’episo Rants’o the book comes at the right time when the country is experiencing water scarcity yet it is known for its white gold (water), saying communities are still thirsty despite the country having abundant water.
He said the young generation is going to benefit from this history and have clear information about the water projects.
He said as communities and citizens, they are not seeing any benefits from these projects saying in terms of development their interest is on how the projects are improving the lives of surrounding communities and the nation at large.
“We acknowledged that there is infrastructure like roads but our agriculture and irrigation is poor yet there is water. We also need electricity and Muela is not generating enough”, he added.
He stressed that the dams are not benefiting Basotho at all saying there was fund for community development to assist surrounding communities but to date nobody says anything about the fund and communities are struggling.
Moreover, Expert and Community Advisor on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Mr. Lenka Thamae commended the Author but indicated that the book emphasised more on geopolitical issues under which the water treaty was established saying it should have dwelt more on thirsty communities.
He said as affected communities, they are ready to make their contributions during the review of the treaty.
John Aerni-Flessner is an associate Professor of history in the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities at Michigan State University and Research Fellow in the Department of History in the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein. Around 2001 to 2003 he was an English, Mathematics and Chemistry teacher at St. Rodrigue High School here in Lesotho.
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