Two Geography and Environmental Science students at the National University of Lesotho (NUL), Moroke Khotso and Shale Motlalane, have developed a powerful digital map tool that could help solve water problems in Lesotho—by showing exactly where to drill for water!
The duo created a detailed Groundwater Potential Zones (GWPZ) Map using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other scientific methods. The map highlights areas in Roma, as an example, with the best chances of finding groundwater, so that future boreholes can be placed with greater confidence.
“We wanted to increase the accuracy and scope of knowing where to drill,” said Motlalane. “So we decided to find a better, smarter way to identify the best spots for groundwater.”
This groundbreaking project was supervised by Dr. Khahliso Leketa.
Groundwater is one of the most important sources of water in Lesotho—especially in semi-arid areas like Roma where surface water can be unpredictable. Yet, drilling boreholes can sometimes be a hit-or-miss, resulting in dry or inactive boreholes that waste time, money, and hope.
Using satellite data, rainfall records, soil maps, and geological studies, the students analysed seven major environmental factors that affect groundwater availability: rainfall, slope, geology, land use, soil type, elevation, and drainage patterns. Then, using a method called the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), they gave different weights to each factor based on how strongly it affects groundwater recharge.
“Rainfall and geology were the two biggest factors,” said Khotso. “We found that areas with fractured basalt and moderate rainfall had the highest chances of holding groundwater.”
Using this weighted data, the students produced a colour-coded map dividing Roma into five zones: very high, high, moderate, low, and very low groundwater potential. The results were amazing.
About 67% of Roma—mostly in the north and central areas—was found to have high to very high groundwater potential. These areas had gentle slopes, permeable soils, and rock types that allow water to seep and be stored underground.
But they didn’t stop there.
To check if the model actually worked, the team looked at twelve real-life boreholes scattered across Roma. Guess what? More than 80% of these boreholes were in zones the model identified as high-potential. Even inactive boreholes—those that currently don’t produce water—were in promising locations.
So what’s going wrong?
A survey revealed the answer: mechanical failure, poor maintenance, and lack of funding—not a lack of water—were behind most inactive boreholes. One local borehole had a broken pump that was never fixed. Another had been abandoned due to high iron levels in the water.
“This shows that groundwater is there—we just need to manage it better,” said Khotso. “Our map helps remove the guesswork.”
The beauty of this system is that it can save time and money for government planners, water NGOs, and community leaders. Instead of drilling blindly, they can now target the best spots. The map can also help prevent overextraction by spreading out water collection across the region.
What makes this project even more impressive is how affordable and scalable it is. “We didn’t need expensive equipment or drilling to make this map,” said Motlalane. “Just good data, solid analysis, and the right software.”
Roma is just the beginning. The students believe this model could be replicated across Lesotho, helping to bring clean water to thousands of people—especially in rural or climate-vulnerable communities.
And while the model is already powerful, the team has ideas for future upgrades. These include adding groundwater level measurements, installing real-time sensors, and integrating water quality checks to ensure that not only is water available, but also safe to use.
As Lesotho faces increasing water demands due to population growth, agriculture, and climate change, this kind of innovation is exactly what the country needs.
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