South African Delegation to Oversee Progress on Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II
In an exciting development for regional water security, a high-profile delegation from South Africa is set to visit the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Phase II. Led by Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms. Pemmy Majodina, this team will include Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Seiso Mohai, and South Africa’s High Commissioner to Lesotho, Constance Sapasengwi. Together, they’ll engage with Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Mohlomi Moleko, to evaluate the advancement of this significant bi-national infrastructure initiative.
What sets the LHWP apart is its role as a collaborative project that not only promises enhanced water security for both nations but also fosters stronger ties between South Africa and Lesotho. As representatives from the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission and the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority join the delegation, the visit will feature a series of site inspections across key components of Phase II. Key sites like the Polihali Dam construction area, the Katse Dam Outfall Tunnel system, and the Senqu Bridge will be the focus, highlighting the immense scale and impact of this project.
Minister Majodina is expected to lead consultations aimed at reviewing progress on milestones, addressing any challenges, and reinforcing the collaborative spirit that underpins this partnership. Recognized as one of the premier bi-national infrastructure programs, the LHWP features a comprehensive system of dams and conveyance tunnels engineered to transport water from the rich sources of the Orange–Senqu River in Lesotho to meet the demands of South Africa.
The current Phase II includes the ambitious and impressive construction of a concrete-faced rockfill dam at Polihali, designed to stand approximately 165 meters tall. Furthermore, a 38-kilometer-long gravity tunnel will connect the Polihali Reservoir with the Katse Reservoir, significantly optimizing water transfer efficiency.
Upon its completion, this phase will boost Lesotho’s water exports to South Africa by an additional 490 million cubic meters annually, raising the total annual transfer from 780 million to around 1.26 billion cubic meters. This strategic enhancement is pivotal for supplying the Integrated Vaal River System and ensuring long-term water security in the region.
DWS spokesperson Wisani Mavasa underscored the importance of this project during a recent media tour, noting, “This project is a core part of our water resource strategy, enabling us to fulfill our constitutional commitment to water security.” The collective efforts not only promise to improve water availability but also to elevate development in Lesotho, potentially transforming lives for the better.
As this compelling story unfolds, the commitment of both nations to work collaboratively reinforces a vision of prosperity, sustainability, and shared progress. Stay tuned for updates as this impactful journey progresses!
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