世界银行-莱索托道路国家气候风险和脆弱性评估：莱索托道路脆弱性评估工具的开发和选定集水区的脆弱性评估（英）-2023-104页_11mb

Executive Summary

This report analyzes climate risks and vulnerabilities for Lesotho's road infrastructure. Lesotho is highly vulnerable to climate change, with increasing temperatures, rainfall intensity, and extreme weather events threatening road conditions. The methodology uses a spatial approach, integrating data from the Lesotho Roads Management System (LRMS) and climate models to assess risks at national and catchment levels. Recommendations include upgrading design standards, enhancing drainage, and engaging local communities for adaptation.

Key Findings

• Climate Impacts: Projected increases in temperature and rainfall frequency exacerbate existing road vulnerabilities, such as flooding and erosion.
• Road Conditions: A majority of roads are in poor condition, with inadequate maintenance and design amplifying climate risks in rural areas.
• Risk Assessment: High climate-related risks are identified for both paved and unpaved roads, with district-specific vulnerabilities noted.
• Additional Risk Amplifiers: Poor maintenance, catchment degradation, and community interventions increase susceptibility, requiring holistic management strategies.

Recommendations

• Update design standards to incorporate climate projections.
• Increase flood design requirements for drainage structures and adopt larger culverts.
• Add paved shoulders to major roads and pave connections to minor roads.
• Support community-based adaptation and integrate climate resilience into catchment management plans.
• Use the assessed framework for prioritizing road infrastructure investments.

Methodology

• Adapts the ReCAP framework and IPCC guidelines for Lesotho-specific conditions.
• Incorporates climate change data from sources like CORDEX and World Bank Climate Portal for comprehensive vulnerability analysis.

Further Actions

• Engage with local councils and ReNOKA to include road safety in catchment management.
• Assess observed climate trends and update guidelines to reflect changing conditions.