A diplomatic conflict may further delay a multi-billion dollar project in Lesotho, vital for averting a water crisis in South Africa, as reported by Business Day, citing legal documents and other sources.

Lesotho has raised concerns regarding the reappointment of Tente Tente as the chief executive officer of the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, an organization formed by both nations in 1986 that manages the water supply to South Africa’s economic hub, Gauteng, according to the Johannesburg-based publication.

With a population of around 3 million and completely encircled by South Africa, Lesotho plays a vital role in providing water to its neighbor, particularly as climate change exacerbates drought conditions in the continent’s most industrialized country.

The mountainous nation holds Tente responsible for the delays and escalating costs related to a R53 billion ($3 billion) initiative aimed at building a new dam and a tunnel to transport water to South Africa, the article indicated. South Africa argues that Tente is not the only factor in the delays and overruns, citing environmental issues, political contexts, and other concerns, the report mentioned.

Lesotho’s Attorney-General Rapelang Motsieloa and Natural Resources Minister Mohlomi Moleko have filed a court motion to annul the appointment, while the South African government is working towards resolving the ongoing dispute, as stated in the newspaper’s findings.

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