SUPPLY SECURIT Y & DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT
Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II: An update
Khubelu River infiltration gallery under construction and rising mains
Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) will be implemented in terms of two distinct components: a water delivery system to augment the delivery of water to South Africa and a hydropower generation system, which will increase the current electricity generation capacity in Lesotho.
Procurement • 48 contracts have been awarded • The most recently awarded contract is for professional services for the feeder roads master plan – Zutari Lesotho • Tender for construction of the Polihali Transfer Tunnel is out (deadline 30 August 2021) • Tenders for the construction of Khubelu Bridge and Mabunyaneng Bridge to be issued in September • Polihali Dam construction tender has been issued
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s concerns construction on the LHWP Phase II, underground tunnelling on the two Polihali diversion tunnels has reached a major milestone, with cumulative excavation progress in both tunnels approximately 90% complete. The breakthrough on the diversion tunnels is scheduled for August 2021. The Polihali and Katse civil works are nearing completion. The potable water and sewer reticulation infrastructure to permanent and temporary residential areas has been completed, while the water treatment facilities are nearly complete. Access roads have been completed, with paving and road markings ongoing.
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Completed in June 2020, the 33 kV line will give temporary power supply to the Polihali village and is due to be energised. Construction of the 132 kV line from Matsoku to Polihali has advanced, with the completion of access roads and the erection of all 92 towers. Stringing is in progress. Insulation and optical ground wire upgrades on the existing lines are under way. The construction of foundations, brickwork and transformer tests are advancing at the Polihali substation, while upgrade works are in progress at other substations. Completed works on the Polihali Western Access Road (PWAR) and Northern Access Road include the establishment of site camps and batch plants. Earthworks and
the construction of foundations for the Matsoku and Semenanyana bridges and piers on the Makhoaba Bridge along the PWAR are ongoing. Hydropower component Feasibility studies for the hydropower component of Phase II completed in 2019 concluded that conventional hydropower is the more feasible option to meet Lesotho’s energy needs. Three potential sites were identified: two on the Senqu River and a third site at Oxbow on the Malibamat’so River. The hydropower component is expected to progress during 2021, where the Government of Lesotho will decide on an option. It is hoped that the design of the preferred option will commence in 2021, with construction commencing in 2024 and that commissioning taking place at the same time as the water transfer component in 2027. Social and environmental programmes An environmental and social management programme is being implemented to address potential environmental and social impacts associated with Phase II activities. This will be implemented in consultation with affected communities and community engagement activities will continue in line with adjusted Covid-19 regulations.
