From hills to hope
Water project drives development in the highlands of Lesotho
Updated: 2025-07-28 10:39
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The 38-kilometer tunnel will be excavated using two hard-rock shielded tunnel boring machines, operating simultaneously from Polihali and Katse Dam.
The first tunnel boring machine began boring from Katse earlier this year. On July 5, a launch ceremony was held for the second tunnel boring machine at the Caledonspoort Border Post in Butha-Buthe, Lesotho. This China-manufactured machine was shipped to Durban Port and assembled at the Polihali site. It is expected to significantly speed up excavation process to meet the slated 2028 completion date.
Speaking at the ceremony, South Africa's High Commissioner to Lesotho Constance Seoposengwe said she believed the new machine would give further impetus to the ongoing work on the project.
