Can economy save the Lesotho Highlands water project?

Since the 1950s, more than 20 major Inter Basin Transfer (IBT) schemes have been built in South Africa. Last but not least, the Lesotho Highlands Water Project was originally planned to transfer 2200 millions cubic meters per year from Lesotho to South Africa. Despite the dismissal of apartheid in 1994, the first phase of this project, which was heavily criticised by the ANC, was inaugurated in 1998. Moreover, further phases, along with other projects, are under planning. According to the new government, the meaning of IBT in South Africa has totally changed : the new schemes are not built anymore only for the while minority but for the welfare of the South African people. The South African Department of Water Affairs and Forestry has developed economic indicators to prove the overall benefits of IBTs on South African economy and labour market. But political constraints and social problems remain the best arguments of the IBT supporters in South Africa.