South Africa and Lesotho to unveil landmark Senqu Bridge in regional water project

President Cyril Ramaphosa will join King Letsie III of Lesotho and Prime Minister Samuel Matekane on Wednesday to inaugurate the Senqu Bridge in Mokhotlong, Lesotho.

The bridge is a milestone under Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), a binational infrastructure initiative that underscores decades of cooperation between the two nations.

The LHWP, established under a 1986 treaty and expanded in 2011, aims to enhance regional water security and economic development.

The Senqu Bridge replaces an older structure that will be submerged once the Polihali Dam is impounded, ensuring uninterrupted access to Mokhotlong, Sani Pass, and surrounding areas.

The project facilitates the transfer of high-quality water to South Africa, generates hydropower for Lesotho, and supports potable water access, irrigation, fisheries, and tourism.

Phase II will increase annual water transfer volumes from 780 million to 1.27 billion cubic meters, while boosting Lesotho’s hydropower output, advancing energy security, and reducing reliance on imports.

Built at a cost of R2.4 billion, the Senqu Bridge spans 825 meters in length and rises 90 meters high, making it the largest of three bridges being constructed across the Polihali Reservoir.

The bridge is expected to strengthen connectivity and promote long-term regional integration.

Ahead of the launch,  Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and Lesotho Natural Resources Minister Mohlomi Moleko will unveil a state-of-the-art tunnel boring machine on April 20. The machine will drill a 38 km tunnel linking the Polihali and Katse reservoirs, a key component of Phase II.

Ramaphosa will be joined at the ceremony by Majodina, Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, and Deputy Minister of International Relations Alvin Botes.

The formal program will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a walkabout at the bridge site.

The Senqu Bridge inauguration highlights the enduring partnership between South Africa and Lesotho and the transformative impact of the LHWP on regional infrastructure and development.