By: Mpho Shelile
Botha-Bothe – The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) marks a significant moment in the development of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Phase II with the arrival of a new Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) at the Caledonspoort Border in Botha-Bothe. The advanced machine, which has been imported from China, is set to revolutionize the tunnel construction process and accelerate the project’s progress.
The TBM’s arrival represents a major milestone for the execution of Phase II of the LHWP, an ambitious project aimed at enhancing water security and promoting regional economic growth. The LHWP is a bi-national initiative between Lesotho and South Africa, intended to transfer water from Lesotho’s highlands to the Vaal River system in South Africa, while simultaneously generating hydroelectric power for Lesotho. Phase II, currently underway, will extend the water transfer system with the construction of the Polihali Dam and a network of tunnels.
The new TBM will play a fundamental role in the development of the Polihali Transfer Tunnel, a 38-kilometer conduit designed to convey water from the Polihali Dam to the existing Katse Dam. The TBM is engineered to efficiently and safely bore through the mountainous terrain of the Lesotho Highlands, accelerating the excavation process while minimizing environmental impact.
Speaking at the arrival ceremony, LHDA CEO Mr. Tente Tente highlights the TBM’s technological advancements and its anticipated impact on the project. “This machine is equipped with advanced technology capable of navigating complex geological conditions,” states Mr. Tente. “It replaces the traditional drilling and blasting methods, which are more time-consuming and potentially hazardous. The TBM is expected to enhance productivity and reduce the overall timeline for tunnel construction, a critical component of Phase II.”
Mr. Tente emphasizes the importance of youth involvement in this historic event, noting the presence of many young people at the ceremony. “These young individuals are our future leaders,” he says. “They may be the ones working on Phase III and IV of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project in the coming decades. Today, they can proudly say they were here when the first machine arrived.”
During the ceremony, Mr. Tente took the opportunity to educate the students about the TBM and its journey. He explains that the machine left China on July 30, 2024, and arrived in Durban, South Africa, on August 27, 2024, spending approximately four weeks at sea. “The machine arrives in pieces and will be transported to the site by 97 trucks – 64 abnormal and 33 normal trucks,” he explaines. He also highlights the TBM’s capabilities, stating that it will cover up to 20 meters of tunnel per day, a vast improvement compared to the previous rate of just 1.3 meters per day.
Hon. Mohlomi Moleko, the Minister of Natural Resources, describes the TBM’s arrival as a significant step in advancing Phase II of the project. Addressing the Commissioner of South Africa, Mrs. Constance Seoposengwe, Hon. Moleko reiterates the ongoing importance of the 1986 treaty between Lesotho and South Africa, which laid the foundation for the LHWP. “This milestone proves that the treaty remains as vital today as it was when it was first signed,” he states. “Key points of the treaty include promoting peace, stability, and economic growth.”
Hon. Moleko concludes his remarks by reaffirming the Lesotho government’s commitment to creating jobs for Basotho through the project. “The Ministry of Natural Resources is working tirelessly to address the issue of unemployment in the country,” he says.
Mrs. Constance Seoposengwe, Commissioner of South Africa, expresses her appreciation for the partnership between the two nations. “South Africans have great love and respect for Basotho, and we acknowledge Lesotho’s support during our difficult times,” she says. “I am especially pleased to see so many young people here today, for they are the leaders of tomorrow.”
Mrs. Seoposengwe acknowledges the challenges faced during the LHWP’s implementation but commended all parties involved for their dedication. “This project has not been easy, but the commitment of everyone working on it is evident,” she notes. “Today marks the acceleration of the project, with the TBM being much faster than any machine previously used.”
Emphasizing the need for efficiency, she urges the LHDA to maintain the momentum. “We cannot afford to lose any more time,” Mrs. Seoposengwe states. “Every step we take from now onwards must count. I advise the LHDA to move with speed to ensure that we complete this project by 2028 and within budget, while also ensuring high-quality outcomes.”
The arrival of the TBM coincides with the official launch of the Naming Competition by the LHDA. The authority therefor calls on members of the public to participate in selecting a fitting name for the new machine. The competition aims to engage communities and stakeholders in the LHWP, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in this significant national project.
Participants are encouraged to submit names that reflect a legend from Leribe, a leader who demonstrates strength, resilience and dedication to the community, a leader who fosters relationships between their community and others, a Mosotho scientist, a leader who advocates for piece between Lesotho and South Africa, an individual who has made significant contributions to Leribe’s Infrastructure, education and business sector unique aspects of Leribe’s identity.
Phase II of the LHWP is anticipated to bring substantial benefits to both Lesotho and South Africa. For Lesotho, the project will enhance the country’s capacity to generate hydroelectric power, providing a reliable source of energy and fostering economic development. The royalties earned from water sales to South Africa are also expected to support social and economic initiatives, including infrastructure development, education, and healthcare.
In South Africa, the increased water supply is vital for sustaining the growing industrial and agricultural sectors in Gauteng, the country’s economic heartland. The additional water supply will help mitigate water scarcity and ensure the sustainability of critical economic activities.
The arrival of the new TBM marks not just a logistical achievement, but also a symbol of the ongoing commitment of both nations to the LHWP’s objectives. As the TBM begins its journey to carve out the Polihali Transfer Tunnel, the LHDA will continue to coordinate efforts to ensure that the project remains on track and within budget, while maintaining strict environmental and safety standards.
With this progress, Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project moves one step closer to completion, promising long-term benefits for both Lesotho and South Africa and reinforcing the significance of regional cooperation in addressing shared water challenges.