South Africa and Lesotho Enhance Collaboration with Lesotho Highlands Water Project Visit
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina is leading a dedicated South African delegation this weekend to Lesotho, focusing on the important oversight of the ongoing Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). This initiative signifies a promising collaboration between South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho, enhancing both countries’ water and energy resources while fostering closer bilateral relations.
Joining Minister Majodina on this insightful two-day excursion, which commenced on Saturday, December 14, 2025, are Deputy Ministers David Mahobo and Seiso Mohai. The trio will meet with Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, to discuss progress and future steps for this ambitious project.
The LHWP is a groundbreaking endeavor aimed at delivering vital water resources from the Orange–Senqu River, nestled in the Lesotho highlands, to South Africa. This project not only addresses the water needs of South Africa’s economic powerhouse, Gauteng, but also promotes hydro-electric power generation in Lesotho itself.
During the visit, Minister Majodina and her delegation will inspect essential infrastructure components, including the Polihali Dam construction site, the Katse Dam Outfall Tunnel system, and the Senqu Bridge. These visits are crucial in assessing the project’s advancements – particularly the significant Phase II works that aim to further boost water transfer capabilities.
The ambitious construction includes a stunning 165-meter concrete-faced rockfill dam at Polihali, along with a 38-kilometer concrete-lined gravity tunnel that will link the Polihali and Katse reservoirs. Once completed, this phase will elevate annual water transfers from Lesotho to South Africa by a remarkable additional 490 million cubic meters, totaling 1.26 billion cubic meters annually. This boost will seamlessly integrate into South Africa’s Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), which is critical for supporting the burgeoning Gauteng region.
Beyond mere infrastructure, this collaboration holds significant promise for regional development and sustainability. Earlier this month, the water ministers from the four Orange–Senqu River Basin states reaffirmed their commitment to protecting this vital resource, recognizing its pivotal role in advancing water security, climate resilience, and overall economic growth in the region.
As the visit wraps up on December 15, the optimism around the LHWP remains palpable, promising a future where both nations continue to prosper and thrive in unity.
Stay tuned for more updates as this landmark project unfolds!
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