Staff Reporter
In a significant development for the second phase of Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP II), critical components of the first of the tunnel boring machines (TBM) this week reached the Durban harbour in South Africa en route to Lesotho.
The components, including the crucial cutter head, mark a major milestone for the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) as it advances the ambitious water and hydropower project.
“The arrival of the TBM components is a crucial step in the construction of the Polihali Transfer Tunnel, which will be excavated from both the Katse and Polihali sides,” the LHDA said this week.
“This 38-kilometer tunnel will play a key role in augmenting the water transfer capacity between Lesotho and South Africa, ensuring a more reliable water supply to the Gauteng region while also enhancing the hydropower generation capacity for Lesotho. The second TBM that will excavate from the Polihali side will arrive at the beginning of 2025.”
A convoy of ten trucks, including vehicles designed for abnormal loads have been lined-up to transport the components from Durban to the TBM adit at Katse Dam in Lesotho. The convoy will traverse South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal and Free State provinces before entering Lesotho via the Caledonspoort border post in Botha-Bothe, until they reach the project site in Leribe.
The safe and efficient transportation of these massive components will require close coordination between South African and Lesotho authorities, ensuring the convoy’s smooth passage along the designated route, the LHDA said.
“The successful transportation of these massive components will require careful coordination between South African and Lesotho authorities, ensuring that the convoy moves safely and efficiently along the designated route.
“This milestone brings the LHDA one step closer to fulfilling its mission of contributing to the sustainable development of Lesotho’s water resources while also reinforcing the strategic partnership between Lesotho and South Africa. The successful completion of the Polihali Transfer Tunnel will be a testament to the hard work, expertise, and dedication of all stakeholders involved in this project.”
Coinciding with the arrival of the TBM components, the LHDA has launched a public Naming Competition for the TBM. The competition invites the public to suggest a name for the machine, with exciting prizes promised for the winner, who will also be honored at the naming ceremony when the TBM enters Lesotho.
“The LHDA invites the public to submit their suggestions for names of the TBM through, sending direct messages to the inboxes of LHDA pages on Facebook and LinkedIn, in person at any of the LHDA offices in Maseru, Mohale, Katse, ‘Muela and Polihali, as well as through calling into LHDA Radio shows that are hosted across various radio stations. The LHDA will further conduct outreaches to schools, communities and urban centers where the public can submit their suggestions for the TBM name.
“Competition participants should consider one or more of the following criteria when choosing their names:
- A legend from the Leribe district, the area of the tunnel excavation.
- A leader who demonstrated strength, resilience, and dedication to her community.
- A leader who fostered relationships between their community and others.
- A Mosotho scientist or pioneer in science and mathematics who encouraged youth to pursue science-related fields.
- A leader who has advocated for peace between Lesotho and South Africa.
- An individual who has made significant contributions to Leribe’s infrastructure, education, or business sectors.
- Alternatively, a name that embodies strength, power and tenacity, that has relevance to Lesotho, and Leribe as the area where the first TBM is going to work.”
