Lesotho is proud to contribute to South Africa’s water security while advancing its own economic development and energy aspirations through a unique collaboration.
Lesotho’s Head of State, King Letsie III said this when delivering a keynote address at the official opening of the Senqu bridge in Mokhotlong.
He said the event was another milestone worth celebrating achieved through the implementation of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Phase II in Mokhotlong.
He stated that Senqu bridge is the largest extradosed, one of its kind, in Lesotho and that its construction is testament to the skills and dedication of engineers, contractors and workers.
The King said their collective efforts have transformed ambition into reality showing what can be achieved when expertise is matched with commitment and dedication.
He said the Senqu bridge has been designed in such a way that would withstand the harsh weather from the mountains of Lesotho, adding that when both countries, Lesotho and South Africa being the LHWP Treaty partners engaged in infrastructure development, they understood that they were not only constructing structure of steel and concrete but they were building bridges of opportunity that connect communities, strengthen regional
cooperation and integration as well as advancing the economic growth of both countries.
As 2026 marked the 40th anniversary of the LHWP, the King further said the question that now remains is not only what has been built over the past four decades but whether they are building for the next 40 years with greater discipline, stronger integrity, higher commitment to national benefit.
He therefore urged both governments to ensure that programmes aimed at supporting and resettling affected communities are honoured fully, faithfully and on time.
“As the Treaty states communities should not be subjected to the life inferior to the one they enjoyed before the project implementation,” he remarked.
“Let it be our commitment before God, and the people that we shall preserve the LHWP, for future generations, and ensure that the principles underpinned that include mutual benefit, peace, cooperation, economic development and prosperity remain a reality,” the King added.
To the two treaty partners, implementing institutions, the King underscored the importance of full compliance to treaty provisions relating to people and the environment saying livelihoods restoration and environmental protection are not optional considerations but they are key priorities that call for both planning and implementation with meaningful participation of all affected communities in all spheres of the project execution.
As the water of Polihali reservoirs rises, it will ensure that communities remain connected, able to access essential services, sustain livelihoods and participate meaningfully in social economic life of the country.
He appreciated the presence of South Africa President, Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa in Lesotho saying that continues to cement the long-standing cooperation and partnership both countries have.
Speaking at the same event was Mr. Ramaphosa who said South Africa is a water scarce country and depends on clean water coming from the mountains of Lesotho for its development.
He said South Africa will forever remain grateful to Basotho for making water resources available to it.
Mr. Ramaphosa further said the bridge is a milestone demonstrating standing collaboration and relations between the two countries, adding that it will improve travel, making transport easier and cheaper for people and businesses, and communities who will come to see the bridge.
He commended all those who took part in the construction for making sure that it is completed on time and within the allocated budget.
President Ramaphosa mentioned that the bridge created employment to 1200 people, mostly Basotho. Many engineers and technician professionals from both Lesotho and South Africa.
He further said the LHWP is the most ambitious and successful trans-boundary water project in the world, and it is also the largest investment made by South Africa outside its borders.
At the same occasion, he announced that South Africa will provide humanitarian assistance of M30 million to Lesotho from the African Renaissance Fund to help Lesotho strengthen its national response to HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) diseases.
Senqu bridge is one of the key components implemented under the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II. It is the longest bridge in Lesotho at 825 metres with the highest pier (pillar) standing at 90 metres.
Its construction started in 2022 and completed earlier this year. LHDA awarded a M2 billion contract to WRES joint venture, a consortium of different companies from South Africa, Lesotho, and other nations, responsible for the engineering and construction of the bridge.
It has been designed to connect Mokhotlong town across the reservoir to maintain road connectivity and support economic activity in the district.
The ceremony was attended by high ranking officials and guests from both Lesotho and South Africa, public and learners from different schools in the country.
Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]
