SanLei Premium Trout, the largest trout farm in Africa, faced criticism for donating only R5,000 to the Catchment Resilience Fund in Lesotho. This fund aimed to support local communities affected by the Katse Dam but has reportedly failed, with funds misallocated and locals suffering due to worsening environmental conditions. Regulatory scrutiny from the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority highlights the need for accountable practices in aquaculture.
SanLei Premium Trout, touted as Africa’s largest trout farm, has faced criticism for its minimal financial contribution to the community fund, donating only R5,000 to the Catchment Resilience Fund (CaRe Fund) in 2018. This contribution was a requirement for obtaining a license from the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, aimed at ensuring that local communities benefit from the aquaculture project. However, the initiative has largely faltered within just a year.
Community members report that the environmental impact of the Katse Dam—primarily soil erosion and changing agricultural conditions—has worsened local livelihoods. Despite claiming investments to assist affected farmers, SanLei’s support has been perceived as insufficient. Although they present a production capacity of 1,000 tons of trout per year, the tangible benefits for local communities remain questionable.
The CaRe Fund was originally designed to enhance rangeland management among the local Khokhoba farmers. Established with ambitious intentions, it aimed to conduct training and restrict grazing in specific areas to combat soil erosion. However, reports indicate that funds were misallocated, primarily providing small loans and building an office for the village chief instead of environmental initiatives.
Furthermore, the village committee member, ‘Malieketso Ramokoatsi, noted that community engagement had deteriorated, and equipment intended for environmental management had been vandalized. Local sentiments expressed concern over the diminished health of both soil and crops, with climate change exacerbating the situation.
Despite acknowledging additional contributions of M60,000 (R60,000) to the project, SanLei’s compliance officer admitted that only M5,000 was actually transferred to the community. The failure of the CaRe Fund follows the withdrawal of USAID in 2018, which had contributed significantly to climate adaptation efforts, leaving the community struggling.
The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority is in charge of regulatory oversight in the dam area and maintains that fishing license applicants must clearly outline how local communities will benefit. Questions directed to the LHDA regarding SanLei’s obligations were met with silence, and further inquiries to SanLei have not yielded responses on their contributions or the involvement of USAID. The local residents, including ‘Mamolapo Khethisa, have expressed frustration over the adverse effects of the dam on agricultural conditions, such as increased frequency of destructive hailstorms and changes in seasonal frost, which have collectively worsened food security in the area.
SanLei Premium Trout’s minimal financial contribution to community initiatives raises significant concerns about its impact on local populations affected by ecological changes due to the Katse Dam. While the company claims to support community projects, the inadequate execution and misallocation of funds have prompted local complaints regarding worsening agricultural conditions. As regulatory bodies like the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority seek accountability, the community’s struggle against environmental degradation continues, highlighting the urgent need for meaningful support and effective management in aquaculture projects.
Original Source: groundup.org.za
