The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) has officially launched the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), marking four decades since the signing of the landmark treaty that established one of Southern Africa’s most strategic infrastructure and regional cooperation initiatives.
The launch took place on Tuesday this week, through a live national broadcast simulcast across multiple radio stations including PCFM, Lekope FM, Harvest FM, and Moafrika FM, as well as online platforms.
The two-hour programme invited stakeholders and the public to reflect on the project’s journey since the treaty was signed in 1986 by the governments of the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of South Africa.
A project of continental significance
LHWP is a multi-phased initiative designed to provide water to South Africa’s economic heartland, the Gauteng region, while generating hydro-electricity for Lesotho. The project harnesses the waters of the Senqu/Orange River in the Lesotho highlands through a series of dams and tunnels, and delivers water via gravity-fed systems to the Vaal River System, which supplies millions of people in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Phase I of the project, completed in 2003 and inaugurated in 2004, included the construction of the Katse and Mohale Dams, the ‘Muela hydropower station, and 82 kilometres of tunnels. Phase II is currently underway, with the Polihali Dam and Transfer Tunnel under construction and expected to be completed by 2029.
“Over the past 40 years, the LHWP has demonstrated what is possible when vision, partnership and long-term thinking come together, delivering not only water and energy security, but also meaningful socio-economic impact,” the Authority said in a statement.
Substantial achievements across four decades
The project currently delivers approximately 780 million cubic metres of water to South Africa annually, which amounts to well over 40 percent of the water supply to the South African economy and about 60 percent of Gauteng’s water needs.
For Lesotho, the benefits have been equally transformative. Water royalties from the project have earned the country more tha R18.8 billion since 2003, contributing significantly to the national budget. The Muela Hydropower Station has generated 11.7 million MWh of electricity for domestic use, reducing Lesotho’s dependence on imported power.
“The LHWP not only delivers vital water to millions in South Africa and generates clean hydropower for Lesotho, but also fosters trust, economic interdependence, and stability across borders,” noted the government of Lesotho when the project was recognised as a continental model for transboundary cooperation at the Africa Water Investment Summit in 2025.
Socio-economic impact and job creation
The project has been a significant driver of employment and skills development. Phase II alone has created approximately 16,000 job opportunities, including business development and skills transfer initiatives.
The project has also delivered tangible community benefits, including improved road access, better access to health and education facilities, and the provision of electricity to remote highland areas.
On women’s empowerment, women from four local councils within the project area have benefited from training programmes, including detergent and cosmetics manufacturing.
Phase II progress and future outlook
Phase II of the project is progressing steadily. South Africa’s Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, who conducted an oversight visit in December 2025, expressed satisfaction with progress while stressing the urgency of meeting the 2028/2029 completion deadline.
“I am very satisfied with the progress. While relocation has taken longer than expected, there is a plan in place. We are also pleased that 92 professionals have been developed through this project, including women, and that 16,000 jobs have been created. That is quite significant,” she said.
Community engagement and resettlement
The project has implemented comprehensive socio-economic programmes to address the impacts of physical and economic displacement. Since 2017, communities have been engaged through focus groups, public gatherings, and household discussions to ensure transparent involvement in decision-making regarding resettlement sites, housing designs, and compensation preferences.
To date, 270 households and 21 business structures have been identified for relocation under Phase II, with construction of replacement housing underway at various sites. Over 570 graves have been relocated from access road sites, with additional relocations scheduled.
Looking ahead
LHDA framed the anniversary as both a celebration of achievements and a forward-looking exercise. The milestone comes as discussions are set to commence in April 2026 to renegotiate aspects of the original 1986 treaty, which was due for review 15 years after its signing but never formally revisited.
The anniversary celebrations are expected to continue throughout the year, with various activities planned to commemorate the milestone.
Summary
- The two-hour programme invited stakeholders and the public to reflect on the project’s journey since the treaty was signed in 1986 by the governments of the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of South Africa.
- The project harnesses the waters of the Senqu/Orange River in the Lesotho highlands through a series of dams and tunnels, and delivers water via gravity-fed systems to the Vaal River System, which supplies millions of people in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
- “The LHWP not only delivers vital water to millions in South Africa and generates clean hydropower for Lesotho, but also fosters trust, economic interdependence, and stability across borders,” noted the government of Lesotho when the project was recognised as a continental model for transboundary cooperation at the Africa Water Investment Summit in 2025.
Authored by our expert team of writers and editors, with thorough research.
