Work on Polihali transfer tunnel remains suspended

The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) says work on the Polihali Transfer Tunnel remains suspended, following ongoing concerns over the contractor’s non-compliance with environmental regulations.

Kopano Ke Matla (KKM), the contractor for the tunnel project, was officially instructed to halt work on May 5 2025 after repeated warnings and formal notices failed to resolve key issues, particularly those related to the management and treatment of wastewater.

Despite sustained engagements involving the LHDA, the supervising engineer (MS&C), and the contractor, the core problems remain unresolved.

“The LHDA continues to work constructively with the contractor to close the compliance gaps,” the authority said in a statement. 

“The matter is being treated with the highest urgency. However, the suspension will remain in place until there is verified and acceptable progress,” it noted.

The LHDA reiterated its commitment to upholding environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and community safety as required under the project’s contractual obligations.