Maseru- Lesotho reached a major milestone on Wednesday in its efforts to complete Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). The country welcomed one of two massive tunnel boring machines (TBMs) at the Caledonspoort border post, where it was received by top officials. This machine is a key piece of equipment that will help build a vital underground tunnel for the project.
The Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, along with South African High Commissioner of Lesotho, Constance Seoposengwe, and the Chief Executive of the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), TenteTente, were present to greet the TBM. Members of the LHDA Board of Directors and representatives from the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission (LHWC) also attended the welcoming ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Tente highlighted the significance of the moment, stating, “Today marks a historic moment for Lesotho.”
He explained that the TBM left Shanghai, China, on July 30, 2024, and arrived at Durban Harbor on August 27, 2024.
“The machine arrived in parts, transported on multiple trucks. A total of 97 trucks, 64 large trucks, 13 abnormal load trucks, and 33 standard trucks, will be used to deliver each machine to its final destination at Katse,” Tente added.
Once the machine is assembled, it will be 423 meters long and will be used to dig an underground tunnel. The LHWP is a joint effort between Lesotho and South Africa, aimed at providing water and energy for both nations.
Tente further explained that two tunnel boring machines were planned for the project. However, due to some delays, only one machine was brought in first to speed up the construction process. Traditional tunnel digging methods, which use explosives and trucks, could only cover about 3.7 meters per day. The TBM, however, will allow the team to dig up to 20 meters per day, drastically improving the pace of construction.
The arrival of the TBM has brought new hope that the project will be completed on time and within budget. Her Excellency Seoposengwe praised the LHDA for delivering the equipment successfully, calling it critical to the success of the entire project.
“Our relationship is not limited to this project; the two countries share a long history, marked by both difficult and joyful times. The TBM will work faster than traditional drilling methods, and every day and every second from now on must count,” she said.
Seoposengwe also stressed the importance of completing the project by 2028, ensuring that it stays on budget while maintaining high quality and minimizing its impact on local communities and the environment.
Minister Moleko added that the TBM is expected to reach Ha Bereng, in Katse, within two days, where it will begin tunnelling. The event, he said, reaffirms the continued importance of the 1986 LHWP treaty, which aims to improve the lives of people in both countries. The project is expected to not only provide water to South Africa but also generate electricity for Lesotho, creating benefits on both sides of the border.
The tunnel boring machines are crucial to the LHWP’s success. As the construction process advances, the LHDA and its partners will continue working hard to ensure that the project is completed on time, delivering water and energy to millions of people in both Lesotho and South Africa.
The arrival of the TBM marks a promising step forward for the LHWP, and as construction continues, the people of Lesotho can look forward to the benefits of this important project for years to come.
