Lesotho and South Africa have jointly inaugurated the Senqu Bridge, a major infrastructure project aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and improving connectivity in the mountainous Mokhotlong district.
The bridge was officially opened on Wednesday by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Lesotho’s monarch Letsie III, in a ceremony attended by government officials, engineers and local communities.
Described as the first extradosed bridge in Lesotho, the structure represents a key milestone under the broader Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), a long-standing partnership between the two countries focused on water transfer, hydropower generation and regional development.
Speaking at the event, Ramaphosa said the bridge symbolised the “deep and enduring partnership” between the neighbouring states, highlighting the strategic importance of Lesotho’s water resources to South Africa, one of the region’s most water-scarce countries.
“The Lesotho Highlands Water Project remains the largest investment South Africa has made outside its borders,” he said.
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Ramaphosa also announced that South Africa would provide 30 million rand (about $1.8 million) in humanitarian assistance to Lesotho through the African Renaissance Fund to support efforts to combat HIV and tuberculosis, amid declining international aid.
King Letsie III said the bridge went beyond infrastructure, describing it as a catalyst for economic growth, improved connectivity and stronger cooperation.
“This bridge connects not only places, but people and opportunities,” he said, noting that 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the LHWP treaty.
Lesotho’s Prime Minister Sam Matekane said the government would ensure that the benefits of ongoing LHWP developments are channelled into key sectors such as health, education and infrastructure.
Built at an estimated cost of 2.4 billion maloti (around US$145 million), the Senqu Bridge forms part of Phase II of the LHWP, which includes the construction of the Polihali Dam, transfer tunnels and supporting infrastructure such as roads, power lines and telecommunications systems.
The project has also delivered employment benefits, creating more than 1,200 jobs, the majority of which were filled by Basotho workers.
Once completed, Phase II of the LHWP is expected to significantly increase water transfer capacity from 780 million cubic metres annually to 1.27 billion cubic metres, boosting South Africa’s long-term water security while expanding Lesotho’s hydropower generation capacity.
Established in 1986, the Lesotho Highlands Water Project remains one of Africa’s most ambitious cross-border infrastructure initiatives, reflecting the growing importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared resource challenges and supporting sustainable development.
Background on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is one of Africa’s largest and most complex cross-border infrastructure initiatives, jointly developed by Lesotho and South Africa.
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Signed in 1986, the treaty established a long-term framework for transferring water from Lesotho’s highland rivers to South Africa’s industrial heartland, particularly the Gauteng region, which faces chronic water shortages. In return, Lesotho benefits from revenue generated through water royalties and expanded hydropower capacity.
The project was designed with multiple phases. Phase I, completed in the early 2000s, included the construction of major dams such as Katse and Mohale, as well as an extensive network of tunnels and delivery systems that transport water across the border.
Phase II, currently underway, aims to expand water transfer capacity and further enhance energy generation. Key components include the construction of the Polihali Dam, additional transfer tunnels and associated infrastructure such as roads, power supply systems and telecommunications networks.
The recently inaugurated Senqu Bridge forms part of this second phase. Its construction addresses the logistical challenges of accessing remote highland areas, improving transport links for both project implementation and local communities.
Beyond infrastructure, the LHWP has significant economic and social implications. For Lesotho, it represents a major source of national income through water export revenues and job creation. For South Africa, it is a critical component of long-term water security planning, supporting urban centres, agriculture and industry.
However, the project has also faced challenges over the years, including environmental concerns, the displacement of communities and the need to ensure that local populations benefit equitably from development.
Despite these issues, the LHWP remains a cornerstone of regional cooperation in southern Africa and a model for shared resource management between neighbouring countries.
With growing pressure on water resources due to climate change, population growth and urbanisation, projects like the Lesotho Highlands Water Project are becoming increasingly important in ensuring sustainable access to water and supporting broader economic development.
