POLIHALI – Ministers and senior officials from Lesotho and South Africa visited the Polihali site of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II (LHWP II) yesterday to review progress and challenges in the multi-billion-rand water and energy initiative.
Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources, Honourable Mohlomi Moleko, was joined by South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Honourable Pemmy Majodina, Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo, and South African High Commissioner to Lesotho, Her Excellency Constance Seoposengwe. The visit also included senior officials from South Africa’s Department of Water and Sanitation.
LHDA Chief Executive Tente Tente led a presentation tracing LHWP II’s development, from initial feasibility studies over 20 years ago to ongoing implementation. He discussed project risks, delays that raised costs, and strategies now being applied to ensure timely completion.
For Minister Majodina, visiting Polihali for the first time offered insights into the project’s role in securing water for South Africa, generating power for Lesotho, and supporting regional economic development. She noted the contribution of women and young professionals to the project, coinciding with Women’s Month celebrations.
Minister Moleko described LHWP II as a national priority for both Lesotho and South Africa and a strategic driver for regional economic integration. Both delegations expressed satisfaction with progress on infrastructure works and social and environmental programmes aimed at reducing project impacts.
Discussion about this post