Blog 5: Namibia and hydro political conflict over the Orange-Senqu River
The Orange Senqu River is located in southern Africa and is shared by three countries; Lesotho, South Africa and Namibia, with Botswana being a riparian state ( Sebastian, 2008 ). The river originates in the Lesotho Highlands where it is known as the Senqu River, and travels through to South Africa, Namibia and Botswana in the north. The river stretches for 2300km from its source to the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the largest and longest rivers in all of Southern Africa, covering an area of approximately 964, 000km2 ( Conley and van Niekerk, 1998 ). Map showing the location and journey of the Orange-Senqu River The Orange has one of the largest seasonal runoffs of all the rivers in South Africa and is an integral source of water and enabler of development for all its riparian states ( Basson, et al 1997 ). Out of all its riparian states, Namibia is most likely the most dependent on the river for both its socioeconomic development, water supply, but also to define its national