CARMEL RICKARD: Lesotho’s ministerial malfeasance may affect South African water supply
If a German alternative energy company continues its legal action against Lesotho over a disputed €100m contract, South Africa may feel the fallout
Could a new decision by three judges of Lesotho’s high court help temper the dispute between Maseru and Frazer Solar, a German manufacturer of alternative energy systems? South Africa will certainly be hoping so: if not, Lesotho’s supply of millions of cubic metres of water to the country could be at risk.
The dispute dates back to 2018, when Temeki Tšolo, then minister without portfolio in the Lesotho prime minister’s office, signed a supply agreement with Frazer Solar. That contract was for the company to supply solar heaters, lights and other systems for Lesotho. In terms of the contract, Maseru was obliged to borrow €100m (about R1.78bn in today’s terms) from German financial institutions to pay for the lights and other costs...
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