Browsing by Author "Moloisane. R.M"

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    SOCIOECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL DIMENSIONS OF ABANDONED MAQALIKA DAM TO THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES IN MASERU, LESOTHO
    (2025-10-01) Moloisane. R.M
    Maqalika Dam was constructed in 1983 to supply potable water for households and other uses in Maseru. However, since its abandonment for some time it has suffered progressive degradation due to pollution, sedimentation, and unregulated urban encroachment. Against that backdrop, this study examined the socioeconomic and environmental dimensions of the abandonment of Maqalika Dam in Maseru Lesotho. A mixed-methods approach comprising household surveys (n=310), key informant interviews with institutional stakeholders, and field observations was used with tabulations and content analysis to assess the multifaceted consequences of the dam’s discontinued use. Findings indicated that over 55% of nearby residents experienced livelihood disruptions, especially in irrigation, livestock watering, and small-scale fishing. Environmentally, over 94% of respondents reported pollution, waste dumping, and eutrophication as prominent challenges which posed risks to public health and aquatic life. Institutional neglect, rapid urbanization, and intentional pollution were identified as key drivers of abandonment. Although Metolong Dam now supplies Maseru, the Maqalika site remains a source of socio-environmental concern. Stakeholders proposed strategies including pollution source mapping, ecological rehabilitation, and participatory reuse planning. The study concludes that there is an urgent need for integrated water resource governance, emphasizing rehabilitation or sustainable repurposing to transform abandoned urban dams from liabilities into community assets.