Deal #10443 Version #93619

No specific mentions of the implementation of the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process were found in relation to the Ha Ramarothole solar project in Mafeteng, Lesotho. However, there were several community consultation efforts and public meetings where the project's impacts and compensation for land loss were discussed. These meetings aimed to involve local communities and ensure that their concerns were heard, although there were controversies regarding the adequacy of the compensations and the transparency of the process.

The conflict surrounding the Ha Ramarothole solar project in Mafeteng, Lesotho, arose due to issues with compensating local landowners. Despite community consultation efforts, some community members expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency and delays in the promised payments for the loss of use of their land. This led to protests and road blockades by residents, who demanded adequate compensation and greater clarity in the process. The situation reflects a tension between the interests of the development project and the rights of the local community.

The land conflict in Lesotho arose mainly due to issues with compensating landowners. Delays in payments and a lack of clarity in the process led to dissatisfaction, prompting local community protests and road blockades​.

The negative impacts of the solar project in Ha Ramarothole include the loss of agricultural land for local residents, affecting their ability to farm and sustain their livelihoods. Additionally, there was discontent and tension due to delays in the promised compensation to landowners. These issues led to protests and road blockades, indicating the community's dissatisfaction with the project's management​. The solar project in Ha Ramarothole is facing severe erosion issues, which have damaged the infrastructure and threaten the project's sustainability. The formation of dongas and gullies has affected the perimeter fence and the foundations of the solar panels. To mitigate these issues, watershed management and soil rehabilitation measures have been implemented, involving the local community in erosion control efforts. These actions are crucial to protect the renewable energy investment and ensure the project's long-term stability​.

Households affected by the project were compensated for their land and fields.

Improved electricity access, enhanced livelihoods, reduced criminal activities, and potential for economic development through electricity export