Lesotho has reached a historic milestone with the opening of Senqu Bridge – an engineering masterpiece that stands at 90 meters above the ground and spans 825 meters – under the second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP II).
The bridge is the largest of three major crossings that will span the future Polihali reservoir, currently under construction under the watchful eye of Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA).
Its recent launch in Mokhotlong district was officiated by King Letsie III, alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, being part of the bi-national water project the two neighbouring countries share.
A visual stunner, Senqu Bridge introduces extradosed bridge technology in Lesotho for the first time, marking a significant advancement in the country’s engineering capabilities.
“We are not only building structures of concrete and steel, but bridges of opportunity that connect communities and advance economic growth,” His Majesty said
Upon completion, which is tentatively scheduled for 2029, Phase II will increase water transfer volumes to South Africa from 780 million to 1,270 million cubic metres annually, while also strengthening Lesotho’s hydropower generation and reducing reliance on imported energy.
The Senqu Bridge will play a critical role in maintaining national connectivity, linking Mokhotlong to the A1 national road corridor once the Polihali reservoir is filled. It replaces an existing crossing that will be submerged, ensuring uninterrupted access for communities in the region.
Valued at approximately M2.4 billion, the project has played a significant role towards job creation as it created around 1,200 jobs, which mostly benefited Basotho.
King Letsie III described the occasion as symbolising more than infrastructure development, and being a testament to shared vision and partnership, in his speech during the launch.
“We are not only building structures of concrete and steel, but bridges of opportunity that connect communities and advance economic growth,” His Majesty said.
Marking 40 years of the LHWP, the King expressed pride in Lesotho’s contribution to South Africa’s water security, while also advancing its own economic and energy ambitions. However, he acknowledged the sacrifices made by affected communities, including relocation, loss of grazing land, and disruption of livelihoods.
“These sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. The governments must ensure that resettlement and support programmes are implemented fully, faithfully and on time,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of livelihood restoration and environmental protection, noting that some individuals affected during Phase I over three decades ago are still awaiting compensation.
On his part, President Ramaphosa said the bridge a symbol of determination and a milestone in the enduring partnership between Lesotho and South Africa.
“The bridge tells a story of determination. It is a significant achievement in the enduring collaboration between our two countries,” he said.
He acknowledged that while the project had faced challenges, it had demonstrated resilience in overcoming obstacles. Ramaphosa also noted that efforts are ongoing to ensure that no affected household is left worse off, adding that more still needs to be done to support impacted communities.
He further highlighted the LHWP as the most ambitious and successful transboundary water project in the world, and the largest investment South Africa has made beyond its borders.
In addition, he announced a R30 million humanitarian assistance package through South Africa’s African Renaissance Fund to support Lesotho’s response to HIV and tuberculosis.
Prime Minister Matekane reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that water royalties from South Africa are used strategically to drive national development.
“These revenues are central to our development agenda. Every cent will be invested in health, education, infrastructure and youth development,” he said.
He confirmed that the government has directed the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority to fully implement all resettlement and livelihood restoration obligations, while warning that authorities would be held accountable for any shortcomings.
Matekane also acknowledged the profound impact of displacement on affected communities in Mokhotlong.
“Displacement from ancestral land is a profound disruption. No infrastructure project, however significant, should treat that disruption as an acceptable cost,” he said.
Summary
- Lesotho has reached a historic milestone with the opening of Senqu Bridge – an engineering masterpiece that stands at 90 meters above the ground and spans 825 meters – under the second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP II).
- On his part, President Ramaphosa said the bridge a symbol of determination and a milestone in the enduring partnership between Lesotho and South Africa.
- He further highlighted the LHWP as the most ambitious and successful transboundary water project in the world, and the largest investment South Africa has made beyond its borders.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
