MAQALIKA DAM
1. Background parameters
| District: | Maseru |
| Geographical location: | S 29°17'16"–29°18'41" / E 27°30'35" |
| Nearest village(s): | Maseru town (Agri College) |
| Stream: | Caledon River / Mejametalana River |
| Year filled: | 1983 |
| Index number: | 2927 BC1/01 |
2. Morphometric data and water chemistry
| MORPHOMETRIC DATA | WATER CHEMISTRY (summer) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface area (ha) | Depth Max (m) | Depth Mean (m) | Volume (×1000 m3) | pH | Conductivity 25°C (μS/cm) | Transparency Secchi (m) | Depth zone: O2 >3mg/1 (m) | Temp. at 1m (°C) |
| 64 | 16.5 | 5.9 | 3.776 | 7.8 | 280 | 0.25–0.5 | 6 | 25 |
3. Fish stock assessment
| Fish species | CPUE (g) |
| Barbus aeneus | 817 |
| Cyprinus carpio | 512 |
| Clarias gariepinus | 221 |
| Labeo capensis | 352 |
| Labeo umbratus | 2,522 |
| Lepomis macrochirus | 0 (a few individuals probably present) |
| Macropterus salmonides | 0 (idem) |
4. Findings from socio-economic questionnaires
The dam was built in 1967, and the nearest village is just by the dam. The number of people living close to the dam is not known. The dam does not dry out. Most important use is drinking water for Maseru. Some cattle are watered from the dam, and many people use it for domestic purposes.
One informant thinks the government owns the dam, the land and the fish; others think that the dam is owned by the community, the land by different chiefs and the fish by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Chinese community or a chief.
People eat fish from the dam, the species being carp, mudfish and catfish. One respondent (reportedly fishing) also mentions black bass, trout and shellfish. There is no preference for any species. Fishing is done mainly by poor men using hook and line and goes on all day all year round. The average size of the fish caught is reported to be half arm.
Permits are given by the Ministry of Agriculture, each costs M5/year. Any one can get a permit.
Fish is consumed or sold in the village or town for M 1.5 – 5 per fish.
Gear is bought 2 km away for R 8.95 for reel and 28¢ for hook; One informant said that money for the hooks is a constraint.
5. Management proposed
Part-time commercial gillnet fisheries
6. Observations
This peri-urban reservoir, closed in 1983, is the largest and deepest reservoir in the Lesotho Lowlands. It is managed by the Water and Sewerage Branch (WASA) of the Ministry of Energy. Since it is fenced and the ownership is clearly identified, an income generating fishery seems to be advisable. The dam is being invaded by aquatic weeds (Azollla spp.).
SEBABOLENG DAM
Date: 26.04.94
1. Background parameters
| District: | Maseru |
| Geographical location: | S 29°18'41"–29°19'13" / E 27°30'54" |
| Nearest village(s): | Maseru town (Lake side) |
| Stream: | 1967 (?) |
| Year filled: | Mejametalana River |
| Index number: | 2927 BC1/02 |
2. Morphometric data and water chemistry
| MORPHOMETRIC DATA | WATER CHEMISTRY (summer) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface area (ha) | Depth Max (m) | Depth Mean (m) | Volume (×1000 m3) | pH | Conductivity 25°C (μS/cm) | Transparency Secchi (m) | Depth zone O2 >3mg/1 (m) | Temp. at 1m (°C) |
| 18 | 11.5 | 4.60 | 828 | 8 | 350 | 0.25 | 3m | 23 |
3. Fish stock assessment
| Fish species | CPUE (g) |
| Cyprinus carpio | 389 |
| Clarias gariepinus | 368 |
| Labeo spp. | 9477 |
| Lepomis macrochirus | 57 |
4. Findings from socio-economic questionnaires
Two men were interviewed. The dam was built in 1967, and it forms a border between two villages. 14000 people live close to the dam, which does not dry out. Most important use is municipal water supply. Household use or fish stocking are the second most important use. Some cattle and small stock are watered from the dam, and many people use it for domestic purposes.
Informants say that the community owns the dam and the fish, and the community or a chief owns the land.
People eat fish from the dam. Species found are carp, mudfish, yellowfish and catfish. Fishing is done in summer or throughout the year. Size of fish caught is half arm.
The government allows people to fish and anyone can get a permit. But respondents did not know where to get permits from, or the cost of the permits.
Fish is consumed or sold in the village. 1 out of 2 are willing to buy fish at M4 each.
Gear is bought locally.
5. Management proposed
Recreational fisheries / Unmanaged fisheries
6. Observations
This reservoir communicating with Maqalika dam through its spillway offers a large open site for fishing close to Maseru town. The place is already known for recreational fishing. The dam is polluted and being invaded by Azolla spp. The dam belongs to the Ministry of Agriculture.
THABA-PHATSOA DAM
1. Background parameters
| District: | Leribe |
| Geographical location: | S 28°59'27" / E 28°08'36" |
| Nearest village(s): | Thaba-Phatsoa/Ramappe |
| Stream: | 1963 |
| Year filled: | Fenyane |
| Index number: | 2828 CC4/10 |
2. Morphometric data and water chemistry
| MORPHOMETRIC DATA | WATER CHEMISTRY (summer) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface area (ha) | Depth Max (m) | Depth Mean (m) | Volume (×1000 m3) | pH | Conductivity 25°C (μS/cm) | Transparency Secchi (m) | Depth zone O2 >3mg/1 (m) | Temp. at 1m (°C) |
| 25 | 12 | 4.20 | 1.050 | 7.6 | 155 | 1.0 | 6.0 | 21 |
3. Fish stock assessment
| Fish species | CPUE (g) |
| Barbus aeneus | 3,577 |
| Micropterus salmonides | 184 |
4. Findings from socio-economic questionnaires
Four people were interviewed. The dam was built in 1962, and the nearest village is 200m from the dam. 5000 people live close to the dam, which does not dry out. Most important use is irrigation, and the second most important use is filling of ponds or fishing. Many cattle are watered from the dam, and many people use it for domestic purposes. 81 ha are irrigated from the dam.
The community or its chief owns the dam, while the chief owns the land around the dam. Ownership of fish is unclear.
People used to fish in the river before the dam was built, and continue to eat fish from the dam now. Species found in the dam are carp and catfish.
Fishing is done with wire mesh, handmade nets and hook and line, and goes on all day or during mornings and evenings. Some people fish occasionally, and others daily.
Informants claim that fishing is not allowed, but chiefs can allow it. Permits are given by the Ministry of Agriculture. Anyone can get a permit.
Fish is consumed or sold in the village for M 1–5 per fish. All are willing to buy fish.
Gear is bought in Hlotse, and access to gear is reported to be a constraint for fishing.
5. Management proposed
Part-time commercial gillnet fisheries / Recreational fisheries
6. Observations
This dam is located about 15km from Leribe town at the transition zone between the lowlands and the foothills. A few people were seen fishing with hook and line from the shoreline. There are some submerged reeds in the upper shallow reaches and along the dam wall. Much of the shoreline is obstructed by bushes, although there are a few rocky outcrops and beaches. There are a number of submerged trees. During the test fishing, the pelagic nets sagged up to 1 m between buoys due to the weight of fish caught. Since the dam is not used for municipal water supply, fish could be produced more intensively than in Maqalika or Rasebala dam. A sport handline fishery should be also promoted in this scenic place.
RALETING DAM
1. Background parameters
| District: | Mafeteng |
| Geographical location: | S 29°48'31" / E 27°24'40" |
| Nearest village(s): | Mafeteng town (Hlakoaneng) |
| Stream: | |
| Year filled: | 1932 (?) |
| Index number: | 2927 CC2/27 |
2. Morphometric data and water chemistry
| MORPHOMETRIC DATA | WATER CHEMISTRY (summer) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface area (ha) | Depth Max (m) | Depth Mean (m) | Volume (× 1000 m3) | pH | Conductivity 25°C (μS/cm) | Transparency Secchi (m) | Depth zone: O2 >3mg/1 (m) | Temp. at 1m (°C) |
| 21.30 | 2.10 | 1.80 | 383 | 7.6 | 240 | 0.00 | 1.5 | 22 |
3. Fish stock assessment
| Fish species | CPUE (g |
| Cyprinus carpio | 2,134 |
| Clarias gariepinus | 139 |
4. Findings from socio-economic questionnaires
The dam was built in 1932 - it never dries out. Main use of dam is for drinking water - one person mentioned livestock watering. Secondary use is fishing. The number of cattle watered range from 20 -3000 and the number of small stock watered range from 30 – 3000, according to a respondent. One person said people come to the dam for domestic purposes, another said only three people go. There is no irrigation.
Three respondents thought the dam was owned by the government, one thought the community owned it. Ownership of land was also confusing; one thought it was part private part state, two others mentioned the government, and yet another thought it was the “reserve”. Two thought the community owned the fish, while two had no idea.
No respondent knew whether fish was caught before the dam was built. Species found were catfish, carp, silverfish and “chelfish”. People ate fish from the dam - one thought they preferred chelfish, the other thought carp. Numbers fishing ranged from “many” to 20, to over 50. Gear used was hook and line and nets by the Chinese. Fishing was carried out all day, or at night in summer. People fished during weekends, or daily. The species caught were carp, catfish, silverfish and chelfish. The size of fish caught ranged from half an arm to a full arm. People fishing are usually from around the dam; sometimes they are outsiders.
One respondent thought that people were allowed to fish by the government who gave permits, two thought otherwise. Fishing was mostly for home consumption. If sold, it was disposed of in the town or village for M2. Two respondents were willing to buy fish, one at M2 and the other at M4 for half an arm size. Gear is bought or homemade from the town 1km away. Two respondents thought the availability of hook and lines or hooks was a constraint to fishing - only one of them was a fisherman.
5. Management proposed
Recreational fisheries
6. Observations
Although the dam's surface area (25ha) is relatively large, its capacity is very low because of its high siltation rate and the presence of a 4ha woodlot dividing the dam in two parts. At the upper storage level, a maximum depth over 2.5m cannot be expected. Fishermen were seen catching small catfish in the shallower part where no nets could have been set. Only rustic species such as common carp and catfish would breed properly in this dam. It was used for municipal water supply during the Rasebala dam wall rehabilitation work.
LUMA LAKE
1. Background parameters
| District: | Mafeteng |
| Geographical location: | S 29° 45'13" / E 27°23'33" |
| Nearest village: | Ha Sekoati |
| Stream: | fed by ground water |
| Year filled: | NA |
| Index number: | 2927 CC2/10 |
2. Morphometric data and water chemistry
| MORPHOMETRIC DATA | WATER CHEMISTRY (summer) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface area (ha) | Depth Max (m) | Depth Mean (m) | Volume (× 1000 m3) | pH | Conductivity 25°C (μS/cm) | Transparency Secchi (m) | Depth limit 02 >3mg/1 (m) | Temp. at 1m (°C) |
| 7.5 | 4.50 | 2.60 | 195 | 7.7 | 200 | 0.00 | 3 | 18.7 |
3. Fish stock assessment
| Fish species | No of fish caught | Total weight (g) | CPUE (g) | |
| Cyprinus carpio | 3 | 696 | 139 |
4. Findings from socio-economic questionnaires
Four people were interviewed. Mafeteng is a natural water reservoir, and the distance to the nearest village is 500m. 10000–13000 people live close to the dam. The reservoir does not dry out. The most important use is irrigation or livestock watering. 4000–7000 cattle and 7000–9000 small stock are watered from the dam, and many people use it for domestic purposes. 3–5 fields are irrigated.
The community or the chief owns the lake, the chief owns the land and confusion reigns on who owns the fish (the community, the chief, the government or the fishing association). The fishing association once prohibited the Chinese community from fishing in the reservoir.
People eat fish from the dam, the species found are carp, shellfish and catfish. The first two species seem to be preferred.
Fishing is done by many (4–30) men, both rich and poor. It's done with hook and line, goes on all day and at night, in the summer or all year round. Holidays and weekends are peak periods.
The chief or the government can allow fishing. Permits can be obtained from the fishing association or the Ministry of Agriculture. Only nonlocals have to apply for fishing permits, locals fish for free.
Fish is consumed or sold in the village or town for M 1.2 – 8 per fish. Three out of four are willing to buy fish.
Gear is bought locally.
5. Management proposed
Extensive fish culture / Recreational fisheries
6. Observations
This dam is located in an open area near Mafeteng town. This impoundment is the unique natural lake of Lesotho. It is probably fed by springs and was used to supply Mafeteng town during the severe drought of 1992–93.
MEJAMETALANA DAM
1. Background parameters
| District: | Maseru |
| Geographical location: | S 29°21'06" / E 27°31'00" |
| Nearest village: | Maseru town (Lithabaneng/Mejametalana) |
| Stream: | Mejametalana River |
| Year filled: | |
| Index number: | 2927 BC1/18 |
2. Morphometric data and water chemistry
| MORPHOMETRIC DATA | WATER CHEMISTRY (summer) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface area (ha) | Depth Max (m) | Depth Mean (m) | Volume (×1000m3) | pH | Conductivity 25°C (μS/cm) | Transparency Secchi (m) | Depth zone 02 >3mg/1 (m) | Temp. at 1m (°C) |
| 4.3 | 7.00 | 3.10 | 133.3 | 7.7 | 246 | 0.05 | ||
3. Fish stock assessment
No fish caught
4. Findings from socio-economic questionnaires
Three people were interviewed. The dam was built early 1960, and the nearest village is just by the dam. No one knows the number of people living close to the dam. The dam does not dry out, and its most important use is irrigation. One fisherman regards fishing as the second most important use. One respondent said that cattle and small stock are watered from the dam, two others says no. Few people use it for domestic purposes.
The government (Ministry of Agriculture) owns the dam, land is owned by the ministry or a chief. Ownership of fish is unknown, but it is stocked by the government.
People eat (a lot of) carp from the dam.
Fishing is done with hook and line by 10–20 persons. It goes on all day all year round or in the summer. The size of the fish is half arm.
Permits are given by the Ministry of Agriculture. A permit costs M5/year. Any one can get a permit.
Fish is consumed or sold in the village at R 5 – 10 per fish. All respondents are willing to buy fish.
Gear is bought locally.
5. Management proposed
Fish-cum duck culture / Extensive fish production / Recreational fisheries
6. Observations
This reservoir is fenced and located inside a large horticultural scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture. The shoreline along the dam wall is completely covered with aquatic reeds. It was reported that in the past, Chinese technicians associated with the irrigation scheme had fished heavily in the reservoir with gillnets. There are storerooms for agricultural chemicals above the reservoir. The reservoir was stocked with common carp after the test fishing in 1992.
BOROKHOANENG DAM
1. Background parameters
| District: | Maseru |
| Geographical location: | S 29°20'22" / E 27°31'10" |
| Nearest village: | Maseru town (Borokhoaneng) |
| Stream: | |
| Year filled: | Mejametalana River |
| Index number: | 2927 BC1/13 |
2. Morphometric data and water chemistry
| MORPHOMETRIC DATA | WATER CHEMISTRY (summer) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface area (ha) | Depth Max (m) | Depth Mean (m) | Volume (× 1000 m3) | pH | Conductivity 25°C (μS/cm) | Transparency Secchi (m) | Depth zone 02 >3mg/1 (m) | Temp. at 1m (°C) |
| 2.4 | 2.5 | 1.3 | 31.2 | 7.9 | 477 | 0.00 | 2.5 | 21 |
3. Fish stock assessment
| Fish species | No of fish caught | Total weight (g) | CPUE (g) | |
| Cyprinus carpio | 7 | 7079 | 2360 | |
| Clarias gariepinus | 1 | 654 | 218 |
4. Findings from socio-economic questionnaires
Two people were interviewed. The nearest village is just by the dam and less than 100 people live close to the dam. The dam does not dry out. Its most important use is irrigation. The second most important use is fishing. Many cattle and small stock are watered from the dam, but few people use it for domestic purposes.
A chief owns the dam and the land, the community owns the fish in the dam.
People eat carp and catfish from the dam.
Fishing is done by poor men and boys, using hook and line. This goes on all day in the summer or all year round. Most people come to the dam to fish when they have no work to do. The size of the fish caught is half arm.
Permits are given by the Ministry of Agriculture. Each permit costs M5/year. Anyone can get a permit. Fish is consumed or sold in the village. 1 out of 2 are willing to buy fish.
Gear is bought locally.
5. Management proposed
Uncontrolled fisheries / Semi-intensive fish production / Fish-cum duck farming
6. Observations
This periurban reservoir, located in the centre of the Borokhoaneng village, is surrounded by high aquatic reeds except over the dam wall which is used as a passageway for motor vehicles and pedestrians. Because of this situation, control of the dam seems to be difficult. The shallow area close to the dam wall is fairly polluted. Only a few large fish were caught during the test fishing.
THABA-KHUPA DAM
1. Background parameters
| District: | Maseru |
| Geographical location: | S 29°24'14" / E 27°37'52" |
| Nearest village: | Thaba Khupa Ecumenical Centre |
| Stream: | |
| Year filled: | 1942 (?) |
| Index number: | 2927 BC4/04 |
2. Morphometric data and water chemistry
| MORPHOMETRIC DATA | WATER CHEMISTRY (summer) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface area (ha) | Depth Max (m) | Depth Mean (m) | Volume (× 1000 m3) | pH | Conductivity 25°C (μS/cm) | Transparency Secchi (m) | Depth zone 02 >3mg/1 (m) | Temp. at 1m (°C) |
| 3 | 3.90 | 2.20 | 66 | 7.65 | 0.03 | 1.4 | 20.5 | |
3. Fish stock assessment
| Fish species | No of fish caught | Total weight (g) | CPUE (g) | |
| Cyprinus carpio | 7 | 6,733 | 1,683 |
4. Findings from socio-economic questionnaires
Four people were interviewed. The dam was built in 1942, and the nearest village is just by the dam. More than 1000 people live close to the dam. The dam does not dry out. Its most important uses are drinking water and irrigation, the second most important use is livestock watering or fishing. Many cattle and small stock are watered from the dam, but it is not used for domestic purposes.
Thaba Khupa institute owns the dam and the fish. The institute or the chief owns the land.
People eat fish from the dam, the main species found are carp, catfish and bubble.
Fishing is done with hook and line, goes on all day in the summer or all year round. Size of fish is half arm. Fishing is illegal. At least one informant declined to answer some of the questions because of this.
Fish is consumed or sold in the village for R 2 – 4 per fish. Three out of four are willing to buy fish. Gear is bought in Maseru. Availability of hooks is mentioned by one informant as a constraint.
5. Management proposed
Extensive fish production/fish-cum-duck farming (if partitioned)
6. Observations
This dam is located in the Thaba-khupa Farm Institute compound ruled by the Christian Council of Lesotho, a local NGO. Catfish is reported by local fishermen but has not been caught in any sampling nets. No fingerlings were caught either.
NYENYE DAM
1. Background parameters
| District: | Leribe |
| Geographical location: | S 29°54'33" / E 27°55'28" |
| Nearest village: | Ha Nyenye |
| Stream: | NA |
| Year filled: | |
| Index number: | 2827 DD4/08 |
2. Morphometric data and water chemistry
| MORPHOMETRIC DATA | WATER CHEMISTRY (summer) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface area (ha) | Depth Max (m) | Depth Mean (m) | Volume (×1000m3) | pH | Conductivity 25°C (μS/cm) | Transparency Secchi (m) | Depth zone 02 >3mg/1 (m) | Temp. at 1m (°C) |
| 5.20 | 2.60 | 1.20 | 62.4 | 8.8 | 0.05 | 1.5 | 22 | |
3. Fish stock assessment
| Fish species | No of fish caught | Total weight (g) | |
| Cyprinus carpio | 33 | 6,733 | Seine netting |
| Lepomis macrochirus | 12 | 1,683 | sample of 45 fish |
4. Findings from socio-economic questionnaires
5. Management proposed
Extensive fish production / Recreational fishery / Unmanaged fisheries
6. Observations
This reservoir is located in an open area near the main national North-South road. According to the fish stock assessment, it looks very productive even if neighbourhood activities could pollute the dam.
AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, MASERU DAM
1. Background parameters
| District: | Maseru |
| Geographical location: | S 29°17'35" / E 27°29'54" |
| Nearest village: | Maseru town (Agri college) |
| Stream: | NA |
| Year filled: | |
| Index number: | 2927 AD2/02 |
2. Morphometric data and water chemistry
| MORPHOMETRIC DATA | WATER CHEMISTRY (summer) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface area (ha) | Depth Max (m) | Depth Mean (m) | Volume (x1000m3) | pH | Conductivity 25°C (μS/cm) | Transparency Secchi (m) | Depth zone 02 >3mg/1 (m) | Temp. at 1m (°C) |
| 1 | 2.9 | 1.5 | 15 | 7.4 | 0.00 | 0.8 | 18.3 | |
3. Fish stock assessment
| Fish species | No of fish caught | Total weight (g) | CPUE (g) | |
| Cyprinus carpio | 174 | 14,268 | 3,522 |
4. Findings from socio-economic questionnaires
5. Management proposed
Semi-intensive or intensive fish culture/ Fish-cum-duck farming
6. Observations
This dam is fenced and located inside the compound of the Agricultural College in Maseru. The access to the reservoir is limited to livestock from the College. It seems to have a well-established carp population since numerous small and medium carp were caught. This dam has not been stocked by the Fisheries Section for years.
LESHOELE NO.2 DAM
1. Background parameters
| District: | Leribe |
| Geographical location: | S 28°46'24" / E 28°03'10" |
| Nearest village: | Ha Leshoele |
| Stream: | NA |
| Year filled: | 1964–73 |
| Index number: | 2828 CC3/06 |
2. Morphometric data and water chemistry
| MORPHOMETRIC DATA | WATER CHEMISTRY (summer) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface area (ha) | Depth Max (m) | Depth Mean (m) | Volume (x1000m3) | pH | Conductivity 25°C (μS/cm) | Transparency Secchi (m) | Depth zone 02 >3mg/1 (m) | Temp. at 1m (°C) |
| 0.8 | 4 | 1.7 | 13.6 | 7.4 | 0.4 | 1.4 | 20.4 | |
3. Fish stock assessment
No fish were caught
4. Findings from socio-economic questionnaires
Four people were interviewed - none of them were fish catchers. The dam was built in 1969 or 1973. Around 500 – 600 people live close to the dam. The dam has never dried out. Its main use is for livestock watering. Many cattle are watered in the dam; estimates ranged from 200 – 3000. Many small stock (100 – 2000) are also watered. Some 100 to 300 people use the dam for domestic purposes. There is no irrigation. The dam, the land and the fish are thought to be owned by the chief (Chief Ratali) - one respondent said the community owned the land. The fish is thought to be owned by the community.
No fishing was done earlier. The gear is either home-made or bought. If bought, the supplier is Hlotse or Ficksburg - price not known. No respondent knew whether access to fishing gear was a constraint.
5. Management proposed
Extensive fish stocking / Fish-cum-duck farming
6. Observations
This reservoir is located inside a small village near Leribe town, at the middle of a scheme of three dams. The dike of the upper dam, Leshoele No.1, is leaking. The lowest dam, Leshoele No.3, is no longer accessible by car and was previously supplying water to the Leshoele No.4 dam which has been rehabilitated in fish ponds. Largemouth bass was reported in Leshoele No.2 and No.3 by the Fisheries Section. The numerous submerged aquatic weeds reported in Leshoele No.2 are a deterent to fish production. Boys were seen fishing with hooks and lines although no fish were caught in sampling nets. Contradictory comments were heard about the catches by current fishermen.
JTC DAM
1. Background parameters
| District: | Maseru |
| Geographical location: | S 29°19'32 / E 27°28'44" |
| Nearest village: | Maseru town (Juvenile Training Center) |
| Stream: | NA |
| Year filled: | |
| Index number: | 2927 AD2/11 |
2. Morphometric data and water chemistry
| MORPHOMETRIC DATA | WATER CHEMISTRY (summer) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface area (ha) | Depth Max (m) | Depth Mean (m) | Volume (×1000m3) | pH | Conductivity 25°C (μS/cm) | Transparency Secchi (m) | Depth zone 02 >3mg/1 (m) | Temp. at 1m (°C) |
| 1 | 2.8 | 1.8 | 18 | 8.6 | 0.05 | 1.5 | 19.5 | |
3. Fish stock assessment
| Fish species | No of fish caught | Total weight (g) | CPUE (g) | |
| Cyprinus carpio | 3 | 1,711 | 428 |
4. Findings from socio-economic questionnaires
Four women were interviewed. All of them indicated that they sometimes fish with net and harvested stocked fish.
The dam was built in 1964, and the nearest village is just by the dam. 700 people live close to the dam, which does not dry out. Its most important use is irrigation of the community plot, the second most important use is animal watering. Many cattle and small stock are watered from the dam, and many people use it for domestic purposes.
The community and the chief own the dam, the land and the fish.
People eat fish from the dam; species found are carp and catfish.
Men fish with hook and line, women use seine nets. Both poor and middle-income people fish. It goes on all day in the summer. Fishing is done every day.
Fishermen/women are not allowed to fish; respondents do not know who issues permits.
The fish caught is usually eaten within the household. Everyone is willing to buy fish at R 2–5.
Hooks and lines are bought, seine nets obtained from the project.
5. Management proposed
Semi-intensive or intensive fish culture / Fish-cum-duck farming
6. Observations
This dam is located inside the compound of the Juvenile Training Center of Maseru. Only common carp were found but bluegill sunfish were also reported by the Fisheries Section in the past. The centre has a large seine net allowing a complete harvesting of the dam. The dam is reported to have been stocked several times, but few large fish have been caught. This dam should be restocked and more intensive production should be proposed because of the suitable size and easy control of the dam.
MOTLOI DAM
| 1. Background parameters | |
| District: | Mafeteng |
| Geographical location: | S 29°45'02" / E 27°16'16" |
| Nearest village: | Mafika-Lisiu |
| Stream: | NA |
| Year filled: | 1964 |
| Index number: | 2927 CD1/01 |
2. Morphometric data and water chemistry
| MORPHOMETRIC DATA | WATER CHEMISTRY (summer) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface area (ha) | Depth Max (m) | Depth Mean (m) | Volume (×1000m3) | pH | Conductivity 25°C (μS/cm) | Transparency Secchi (m) | Depth zone 02 >3mg/1 (m) | Temp. at 1m (°C) |
| 1.8 | 4.8 | 2.4 | 43.2 | 7.0 | 0.00 | 25 | ||
3. Fish stock assessment
No assessment was done but several batch harvests with seine nets carried out from 1987 to 1990 by the FSAP indicated the presence of these two species: Cyprinus carpio and Clarias gariepinus.
4. Findings from socio-economic questionnaires
Four women were interviewed. All of them indicate that they sometimes fished with net to harvest stocked fish.
The dam was built in 1964, and the nearest village is just by the dam. 700 people live close to the dam, which does not dry out. The most important use is irrigation of the community plot. Many cattle and small stock are watered from the dam, and many people use it for domestic purposes.
The community and the chief own the dam, the land and the fish.
People eat fish from the dam, the species found being carp and catfish.
Men fish with hook and line, women use seine nets. Both poor and middle income people fish. The fishing goes on all day in the summer. Fishing is done everyday.
Respondents do not know who issues permits.
Fish is eaten rather than sold. Every one is willing to buy fish at R 2–5.
Hooks and lines are bought, built seine nets are obtained from the project.
5. Management proposed
Semi- or intensive fish culture / Fish-cum duck farming
6. Observations
This reservoir has been stocked with carp fingerling by the Food Security Assistance Programme from 1987 to 1990. This project also did the dike and spillway rehabilitation work. The reservoir offers interesting possibilities for more intensive fish production.
RAKOLO NO.1 DAM
1. Background parameters
| District: | Leribe |
| Geographical location: | S 29°04'32" / E 27°40'22" |
| Nearest village: | Ha Rakolo |
| Stream: | Rakolo stream |
| Year filled: | |
| Index number: | 2927BA2/10 |
2. Morphometric data and water chemistry
| MORPHOMETRIC DATA | WATER CHEMISTRY (summer) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface area (ha) | Depth Max (m) | Depth Mean (m) | Volume (×1000m3) | pH | Conductivity 25°C (μS/cm) | Transparency Secchi (m) | Depth zone 02 >3mg/1 (m) | Temp. at 1m (°C) |
| 1.8 | 4.90 | 2.40 | 43.2 | 8.8 | 0.05 | 3 | 18.4 | |
3. Fish stock assessment
No fish were caught
4. Findings from socio-economic questionnaires
Four people were interviewed. The dam was built in 1969, and the nearest village is just by the dam. 600 or 7000 people live close to the dam, which does not dry out. The most important use is livestock watering or fisheries or irrigation or filling of fish ponds. Many cattle and small stock are watered from the dam, and no one uses it for domestic purposes.
The chief or the community owns the dam and the fish; chiefs own the land. This situation has led to conflicts.
People eat a lot of carp from the dam.
Fishing is done by men or boys, but women are also members of the association. It's done with hook and line and occasionally with seine nets. It goes on all day all year round. (At the dam during summer, in the river during winter).
Fishermen/women are not allowed to fish (but the fish association or the chief can allow it). Permits for fishing are issued by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Fish is eaten or sold in the village for M 1.5 – 5 per fish. Every one is willing to buy fish.
Hooks are bought, lines home made, nets obtained from the Fisheries Section.
5. Management proposed
Extensive fish culture
6. Observations
The dam can be completely drained out through its concrete outlet. The dam presents a relatively deep zone (3–5m) covering roughly 30% of the surface area. This dam has never been stocked by the Fisheries Section. The fish stock assessment confirms the indigenous knowledge, as no fish was caught in this dam.
RAKOLO NO.3 DAM
1. Background parameters
| District: | Leribe |
| Geographical location: | 29°05'12" / E 27°40'03" |
| Nearest village: | Ha Rakolo |
| Stream: | Rakolo stream |
| Year filled: | 1969 |
| Index number: | 2927BA2/15 |
2. Morphometric data and water chemistry
| MORPHOMETRIC DATA | WATER CHEMISTRY (summer) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface area (ha) | Depth Max (m) | Depth Mean (m) | Volume (×1000m3) | pH | Conductivity 25°C (μS/cm) | Transparency Secchi (m) | Depth zone 02 >3mg/1 (m) | Temp. at 1m (°C) |
| 1.5 | 3.7 | 2.5 | 37.5 | 8.6 | 0.05 | 1.5 | 20.8 | |
3. Fish stock assessment
| Fish species | No of fish caught | Total weight (g) | CPUE (g) | |
| Cyprinus carpio | 11 | 657 | 131 |
4. Findings from socio-economic questionnaires
Two persons were interviewed. 600 people live close to the dam which does not dry out. The most important use is livestock watering or feeding of Rakolo 1 and 2. Many cattle and small stock are watered from the dam, few people use it for domestic purposes.
The Chief owns the dam, fish and the land. No fishing is done in the dam. The informants are willing to buy fish.
5. Management proposed
Extensive or semi-intensive fish culture / Fish-cum duck farming
6. Observations
The dam can be completely drained out through its concrete outlet. This happened in 1988 when the local community recovered a body from the dam. Most of the fish were caught. The dam has never been restocked since this event. It would explain the poor catch recorded during the test fishing. This is the lowest dam of a scheme of three dams. There are shallow grassy zones which would be suitable breeding areas if the dam is properly controlled. The dam was used for irrigation and for supplying the Rakolo fish ponds with water.
RASEBALA DAM
1. Background parameters
| District: | Mafeteng |
| Geographical location: | S 29°49'59" / E 27°17'13" |
| Nearest village: | Ha Qobete (near Mafeteng town) |
| Stream: | Rasebala River |
| Year filled: | 1993 |
| Index number: | 2927 CD1/08 |
2. Morphometric data and water chemistry
| MORPHOMETRIC DATA | WATER CHEMISTRY (summer) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface area (ha) | Depth Max (m) | Depth Mean (m) | Volume (×1000m3) | pH | Conductivity 25°C (μS/cm) | Transparency Secchi (m) | Depth zone 02 >3mg/1 (m) | Temp. at 1m (°C) |
3. Fish stock assessment
| Fish species | No of fish caught | Total weight (g) | CPUE (g) |
4. Findings from socio-economic questionnaires
| Main use: | Municipal water supply |
| Secondary use: | |
| Ownership of dam: | Water sewerage branch |
| Land: | |
| Fish: | |
| Fish composition: | reservoir not surveyed |
| Number of fish catchers: | |
| Disposal of fish: | |
| Gear used: | |
| Constraints for fishing: |
5. Management proposed
Part-time gillnet fisheries
6. Observations
This new dam closed in October 1993 has a lake shape similar to Maqalika dam. It offers alternative fish production potential in the Mafeteng district where Tsa-kholo dam is not able to supply the state fish farm with enough water because of its high sedimentation rate. This dam belongs to the Water and Sewerage Branch too. A fish production strategy similar to Maqalika dam is proposed.
