Ramaphosa and King Letsie III open Senqu Bridge in Lesotho

The R2.4 billion structure forms part of the expanded Lesotho Highlands Water Project and replaces a crossing to be submerged by the Polihali Dam.

President Cyril Ramaphosa joined King Letsie III and Prime Minister Samuel Matekane on Wednesday to inaugurate the Senqu Bridge in Mokhotlong, Lesotho, marking a milestone in Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project¹⁴. The bridge, constructed at an estimated cost of R2.4 billion, measures approximately 825 metres in length and stands 90 metres high¹. It is the largest of three major bridges being built across the Polihali Reservoir¹⁴.

The structure replaces an existing crossing that will be submerged when the Polihali Dam is impounded, and is expected to ensure continued access to Mokhotlong, Sani Pass and surrounding areas¹. South Africa's Presidency described the event as reflecting the strong partnership between the two countries¹.

Ramaphosa said the Lesotho Highlands Water Project is one of the most ambitious and successful transboundary water projects in the world and represents the largest investment South Africa has ever made outside its borders⁵. He thanked Lesotho for making water resources available to South Africa, a water-scarce country⁵. "The waters of Lesotho's highlands are vital to our country's development. We remain forever grateful to the great Basotho nation for making water resources available to us," he said⁵.

Under Phase II of the project, water transfer volumes are expected to increase from 780 million to 1.27 billion cubic metres per year, while Lesotho's hydropower generation capacity will be expanded¹⁴. Government stated the broader project will support the transfer of high-quality water to South Africa, generate hydropower for Lesotho and improve access to potable water, irrigation, fisheries and tourism opportunities¹⁴.

Ramaphosa announced that South Africa will provide R30 million in humanitarian assistance to Lesotho from the African Renaissance Fund to help strengthen the country's national response to HIV and tuberculosis amid declining international humanitarian assistance⁵. He added that South Africa plans to continue working with Lesotho on energy, capacity building, skills development, defence and social development⁵.

Ahead of the bridge launch, South Africa's Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina and Lesotho's Minister of Natural Resources Mohlomi Moleko unveiled a Tunnel Boring Machine on Monday¹.