Second TBM arrives in Lesotho

The second Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) arrived in Lesotho via the Caledonspoort Border Post on Saturday, marking a major step in the 38 km Polihali Transfer Tunnel project.

Speaking at the event on behalf of the Chief Executive officer of the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), Tente Tente, Reentseng Molapo said this shows the strength of the bilateral relationship between Lesotho and South Africa as they work together for the success of Phase II of the project.

Molapo said with the presence of this TBM, which will start from the Polihali side and meet the other machine working from the Katse side halfway through, a great deal of progress will be made.

“This alignment ensures that by August 2029, the tunnel construction will be completed,” he noted.

Molapo also announced a competition inviting Grade 10 learners across the country to name the new TBM.

Also speaking at the event, South Africa’s High Commissioner to Lesotho, Constance Seoposengwe, acknowledged past delays in the project due to various challenges.

However, she expressed optimism about the progress now being made, saying the timely arrival of this machine cannot be over-emphasized.

She also underscored that South Africans and Basotho share deep connections of language, culture and customs.

“The respective peoples of the two countries are also forever joined together because we rely on the life-giving water that flows in Lesotho.

“Water is a sacred natural resource, which knows no boundaries, race, particular language, or culture,” Seoposengwe said.

She added that the Lesotho Highlands Water Project is the biggest outside infrastructure investment that South Africa has participated in.