Second Tunnel Boring Machine Arrives in Lesotho for Polihali Transfer Tunnel Project

A significant milestone in the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II was marked on Saturday with the arrival of the second Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) via the Caledonspoort Border Post. This advancement is a major step forward in the construction of the 38-kilometre Polihali Transfer Tunnel, a key component in the cross-border water transfer scheme between Lesotho and South Africa.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), Tente Tente, LHDA’s Reentseng Molapo said the arrival of the TBM demonstrates the ongoing strength of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. He noted that Lesotho and South Africa continue to work closely to ensure the success of Phase II of the transformative water project.

The newly arrived TBM will begin operations from the Polihali side of the tunnel, while the first machine, which is already in use, continues tunnelling from the Katse side. The two machines are expected to meet midway, a strategic alignment that will accelerate the project timeline.

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

In a bid to involve local communities, Molapo also announced a national competition inviting Grade 10 learners across Lesotho to propose a name for the new TBM. The initiative is part of a wider effort to encourage youth participation in national development projects.

Also addressing the gathering, South Africa’s High Commissioner to Lesotho, Constance Seoposengwe, acknowledged that the project had faced delays in the past due to various challenges. However, she expressed confidence in the renewed momentum and praised the collaborative spirit driving progress.

“The timely arrival of this machine cannot be over-emphasized,” she stated. Seoposengwe highlighted the cultural and historical ties between South Africans and Basotho, noting that water continues to unite both nations.

“Water is a sacred natural resource, which knows no boundaries, race, particular language, or culture,” she said. “The respective peoples of the two countries are also forever joined together because we rely on the life-giving water that flows in Lesotho.”

She further emphasized that the Lesotho Highlands Water Project stands as the largest external infrastructure investment that South Africa has undertaken, underscoring the critical importance of the initiative for both countries.

With the arrival of the second TBM and renewed commitment from both sides, the Polihali Transfer Tunnel project is well on track to make a lasting impact on regional water security and economic cooperation.