Lesotho Highlands Water Project reaches 56.7% completion

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase Two has reached 56.7% completion, with R24 billion of its R53 billion budget spent, according to an update following a ministerial oversight visit.

The project is intended to strengthen water supplies to South Africa while supporting hydroelectric power generation in Lesotho.

The 165-metre Polihali Dam is now 53% complete and is expected to begin filling in July 2027.

The 38-kilometre transfer tunnel has reached 58% completion despite delays caused by difficult underground conditions.

The latest progress follows a three-day oversight visit by South Africa's Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and Deputy Minister in the Presidency Seiso Mohai from 11 to 13 September.

Resettlement of 209 households affected by the project is also under way, with new homes and compensation being provided.

The project has created about 16,000 jobs across Lesotho and South Africa and is being presented by the two governments as a major example of regional cooperation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The Citizen