Majodina Expresses Satisfaction with Lesotho Highlands Water Project Progress

Maseru: Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has expressed satisfaction with the progress made on Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), noting that 48% of the construction on the Polihali Transfer Tunnel has been completed. The Minister emphasized the necessity of meeting the 2028/2029 completion deadline and warned that no further extensions would be granted. According to South African Government News Agency, Majodina, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Seiso Mohai, led a South African delegation on an oversight visit to Lesotho. During the visit, the delegation met with Lesotho's Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, to assess the progress of the multibillion-rand project. This visit follows Majodina's commitment made in August 2025 to monitor and review the implementation of the project. The Minister's schedule included a briefing on the project's progress, which highlighted the resettlement of 24 households displaced by the dam constr uction. Approximately 300 households were relocated, and construction of 105 replacement houses is underway. Majodina also received reports on the project's social and environmental impacts, which include improved road access, better access to health and education facilities, and the provision of electricity. The LHWP has created about 16,000 job opportunities and has facilitated business development and skills transfer initiatives. It aims to strengthen climate resilience, improve food and nutrition security, promote economic diversification, enhance integration of farm-based initiatives, and build trust and collaboration among stakeholders. Additionally, 77 women from local councils have benefited from training programs. During the visit, the delegation toured several construction sites, including the 165-meter high Concrete Faced Rockfill Dam at Polihali. Chief Resident Engineer Ivaho Vanzaghi reported significant progress on the dam's construction, with concrete placement reaching over 60 meters from th e riverbed. The Minister also inspected the 38km long gravity tunnel linking the Polihali and Katse reservoirs. At the Sengqu Bridge construction site, Majodina expressed her satisfaction with the project's progress. She emphasized the importance of accountability and the need to prevent further delays, noting that both South Africans and Basotho are keenly interested in the project's development. She also advocated for water provision to communities near the dam. Lesotho's Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, praised Majodina for her commitment to the oversight visit, highlighting the project's potential to support hydropower development and boost tourism in Lesotho. Mohai commended the cooperation between South Africa and Lesotho, emphasizing the project's role in ensuring water access and promoting sustainability and economic growth. In conclusion, Mohai acknowledged the generosity of Lesotho in providing essential water resources to the continent and underscored the shared economic benefits b etween the two countries.