Law and Natural‐Resource Development: Case of Water in Lesotho

Abstract

This paper examines the role of the Lesotho Water Resources Act of 1978 in national development. The paper concludes that the act could be very effective in promoting equitable and efficient use of water resources in the country if it is properly implemented. However, effective implementation of the act is hampered by the lack of fiscal resources, especially those involving personnel, transportation, and hardware for the Office of Water Rights. Some of the strategies to increase the effectiveness of the act include strengthening the enforcement capability of the Office of Water Affairs and educating the population about the implications of the act. Also, the act must be integrated into an overall rural development strategy to be effective.