By Emily Setona
QWAQWA, 23 April 2026 – The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) has entered a critical new phase, with major infrastructure milestones this week signalling accelerated progress on one of Southern Africa’s most strategic water and economic lifelines.
On Monday, 20 April, South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, and Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, unveiled a powerful Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) at the Polihali construction site in Mokhotlong.
The launch marks the shift from preparatory works to full-scale excavation of the 38.5-kilometre transfer tunnel linking Polihali and Katse dams.
The newly commissioned TBM joins a second machine already drilling from the Katse side since 2025. Working simultaneously from opposite ends, the two machines are expected to meet deep within the Maluti mountains, forming a continuous tunnel that will significantly boost water transfer capacity.
Designed for relentless, high-performance operation in extreme underground conditions, the TBMs will excavate solid rock while installing concrete lining in a single, continuous process—effectively constructing the tunnel as they advance.
Once complete, the tunnel will play a pivotal role in enhancing water supply to South Africa and strengthening Lesotho’s hydropower generation.
Momentum continued on Wednesday, 22 April, with the official opening of the Senqu Bridge—another flagship component of Phase II.
The ceremony brought together South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, His Majesty King Letsie III, and Lesotho Prime Minister Samuel Matekane, underscoring the project’s high-level political and economic significance.
President Ramaphosa described the bridge as more than a transport link, calling it “a testament to the enduring partnership” between the two nations and a symbol of deepening regional cooperation.
He reaffirmed the LHWP as a cornerstone of water security and economic integration in Southern Africa.
Constructed at an estimated cost of R2.4 billion, the Senqu Bridge stretches approximately 825 metres and towers 90 metres above the valley.
It replaces an older crossing that will be submerged once the Polihali Dam reservoir is filled.
Crucially, the new structure secures uninterrupted access to Mokhotlong, Sani Pass and surrounding communities—preserving mobility, trade routes and local livelihoods.
Majodina emphasised that the tunnelling phase represents the backbone of the entire project.
“This milestone signals tangible progress as we move into full-scale implementation of one of the region’s most ambitious water transfer systems,” she said.
Phase II of the LHWP extends beyond large-scale engineering. It encompasses the construction of the Polihali Dam, extensive road networks, and social and environmental programmes aimed at mitigating the impact on affected communities while unlocking new economic opportunities.
Once completed, the Polihali reservoir will store over 2.3 billion cubic metres of water. Annual transfer volumes to South Africa’s Integrated Vaal River System—vital to the industrial heartland of Gauteng—will increase from 780 million to approximately 1.27 billion cubic metres, easing mounting pressure on scarce water resources.
For Lesotho, the project promises expanded access to water, increased energy generation, and long-term economic benefits through infrastructure development and job creation.
For South Africa, it secures a more reliable water supply critical to sustaining economic growth.Beyond the engineering feats, the developments carry real impact for ordinary citizens.
For communities in Mokhotlong, the Senqu Bridge ensures safer, uninterrupted travel. For millions in Gauteng, the expanding water system offers greater security in the face of rising demand and climate uncertainty.
As Phase II gathers pace, the LHWP is once again asserting itself not only as an infrastructure project, but as a defining instrument of regional cooperation—where shared resources, shared investment, and shared ambition converge to shape a more secure economic future.
