By Luzamo Sandlana
A second Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) was launched at the Polihali construction site on 20 April. The site forms part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II.
The launch of the 423-metre-long TBM marks the transition from preparatory works to full-scale underground construction. The machine is designed to excavate the 38.5km tunnel connecting the Polihali and Katse dams.
Once complete, the tunnel will transfer water from Polihali to Katse. This will strengthen the regional system that supports long-term water planning in South Africa.
The milestone underscores the scale of a major regional water infrastructure project. It also reflects the forward planning required to support future demand.
Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina led the launch alongside Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko.
She framed the milestone as a powerful example of purposeful engineering and transformative infrastructure.
“Today, we stand in the highlands of Lesotho — but we gather for a journey that begins deep beneath our feet,” said Minister Majodina. “A journey that will stretch 38.5km through solid rock, connecting the Polihali and Katse Dams into a single, gravity driven water system — a system that will move water without a single pump. This is engineering at its most purposeful. This is infrastructure at its most transformative.”
During her address, Minister Majodina emphasised that LHWP Phase II is not a response to a water crisis in South Africa. Instead, she said, it forms part of long-term planning for future demand.
“We do not have a water crisis in South Africa, the water that we are receiving currently from Katse dam is enough, however, we feel that we also need to prepare for the next generation,” she said.
The delegation also included Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, and Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources in the Kingdom of Lesotho, Relebohile Lebeta.
Representatives of the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission and the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority were also present. TCTA was represented by Executive Manager: Project Management and Implementation, William Bopape.
