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Lesotho Highlands Water Project

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project is a large-scale, multi-phase water-transfer and hydropower scheme shared between Lesotho and South Africa. The project diverts water from the highlands of Lesotho southward through a system of tunnels and dams to the Vaal River system in South Africa, which supplies water to Gauteng, South Africa's industrial and economic heartland. In return, Lesotho receives royalties from water sales and generates hydroelectric power for domestic use. The scheme is governed by the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority and its South African counterpart under a 1986 treaty between the two countries. Phase I, completed in the early 2000s, included the Katse and Mohale dams and the Muela hydropower station. Phase II, currently under construction, centres on the Polihali Dam and associated transfer tunnels, and is expected to augment water delivery significantly. The project is one of Africa's largest infrastructure undertakings and a critical component of South Africa's water-security strategy. It also represents a key source of revenue and energy for Lesotho. The scheme has faced challenges including cost overruns, resettlement issues and corruption allegations during earlier phases. Ongoing expansion reflects the growing water demands of South Africa's Gauteng province and the mutual economic benefits to both nations.

Lesotho Highlands Water Project News


Africa’s infrastructure challenge is no longer planning, but execution, says Mahlobo
26th June 2026 By: Natasha Odendaal

Africa has no shortage of infrastructure plans or vision, but turning those ambitions into infrastructure delivery requires execution, warns Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo.... 


CREAMER MEDIA: PROJECTS IN PROGRESS 2026
Projects in Progress 2026
26th June 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

South Africa’s economy continues to face challenges, including slow growth, high unemployment and pressure on important services such as electricity, transport and water. New infrastructure... 


An image of the LHWP tunnel before Nanoflake tech application
Nanoflake tech improves corrosion resistance, prolongs asset life
5th June 2026 By: Trent Roebeck

Corrosion control coating solutions provider Corrocoat South Africa aims to use Nanoflake – a glassflake reinforced coating innovation used to ensure efficient corrosion protection of capital... 


Department lays the groundwork for South Africa’s future water security
29th May 2026 By: Natasha Odendaal

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) continues to advance national bulk water and national resource projects across South Africa. During her Budget Vote speech this month, Water and... 


BOTH ENDS: Full-scale tunnelling is now well underway at the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II after the official launch of a second tunnel boring machine (TBM). The Polihali TBM, which technically started work in January, joins the Katse TBM, which was launched in February 2025, to drill – from both ends – through the 38.5 km-long tunnel connecting Polihali and Katse dams, in the Maluti mountains of Lesotho. The second TBM was officially unveiled on April 20.
BOTH ENDS
8th May 2026

Full-scale tunnelling is now well underway at the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II after the official launch of a second tunnel boring machine (TBM). The Polihali TBM, which technically... 


Longest Lesotho bridge opens to secure LHWP Phase II access routes
8th May 2026 By: Natasha Odendaal

In a landmark milestone, the Senqu bridge, the longest in Lesotho and a critical component of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Phase II, has officially been inaugurated. The inauguration... 


An image of damaged water infrastructure
Firm outlines steps towards infrastructure renewal
13th March 2026 By: Trent Roebeck

Securing South Africa’s water future requires disciplined implementation, diversified supply and stronger financial governance, says financial services provider Investec Sustainable Solutions... 


An image of Jason Lightfoot
Structural reform can unlock investment
16th January 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

South Africa’s worsening water infrastructure crisis is not so much a problem of capital scarcity as it is of project bankability, says specialist investment company Futuregrowth Asset Management... 


An image of Mike Muller
Municipal failures undermine water supply
16th January 2026

South Africa’s extensive water management capabilities continue to underpin the country’s major urban and industrial centres. Large river systems are managed to provide reliable and predictable... 


An image of the bottom of the Polihali gate shaft
LHDA advances Phase 2
12th December 2025 By: Trent Roebeck

The professional body responsible for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) operations and maintenance, the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), is steadily progressing the... 


Growthpoint South Africa CEO Estienne de Klerk, Serengeti CEO Anton-Louis Olivier and Etana Energy CEO Evan Rice
Growthpoint buys into Free State hydroelectric plant
7th November 2025 By: Sabrina Jardim

JSE-listed real estate investment trust (Reit) Growthpoint Properties has acquired a 30% stake in independent power producer Serengeti Energy’s operational Boston Hydro plant near Clarens, in the... 


Construction of LHWP’s Senqu Bridge enters final lap
24th October 2025 By: Natasha Odendaal

Construction of the Senqu bridge, a part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), is nearing completion, ensuring the connection of communities across the Polihali reservoir. Once the... 


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pqt: 0.074s - ct: 0.132s - 211pq - 2rq
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