- Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II reaches 58% completion. 38.5 km transfer tunnel to boost water supply to Gauteng and support regional resilience.
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has reaffirmed government’s commitment to long term water security and infrastructure delivery following an oversight visit to the Polihali Dam and transfer tunnel construction sites in Lesotho.
The visit forms part of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a strategic initiative between South Africa and Lesotho designed to augment water supply to Gauteng while supporting hydropower generation in Lesotho.
Majodina inspected progress at the Polihali Dam site and toured the transfer tunnel following the launch of a tunnel boring machine, which will excavate a 38.5 km passage linking the Polihali and Katse Dam reservoirs. The gravity fed system is expected to significantly increase water transfer capacity to South Africa.
The minister reported measurable progress since her previous visit in December 2025, with overall construction advancing from 53% to 58%. She noted that excavation remains a complex and time intensive process, influenced by weather conditions, but said work continues around the clock in multiple shifts.
Majodina emphasised that the project is critical in addressing future water demand driven by economic and population growth in Gauteng. She said South Africa’s primary challenge lies not in water availability but in the maintenance and operation of existing infrastructure across municipalities.
The project also includes extensive socio economic development components such as roads, bridges, clinics, schools and housing relocation programmes. Among the flagship developments is the Senqu Bridge, described as one of the most advanced on the continent.
Financially, the project is underpinned by a bilateral agreement in which South Africa pays royalties to Lesotho, with funds distributed through national systems. Only a limited number of compensation cases remain outstanding.
In addition to urban supply, the scheme will support agricultural resilience. Water stored through the Mohokare Riverwill be released for irrigation in drought affected regions such as the Free State and Eastern Cape.
Majodina highlighted the project’s contribution to skills development and job creation in Lesotho, noting that local communities are benefiting from training and mentorship to support long term infrastructure maintenance.
Once complete, the Polihali Transfer Tunnel will play a central role in enhancing water security in South Africa while reinforcing hydropower capacity in Lesotho, positioning the as a flagship example of cross border infrastructure cooperation in Africa.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
