The year 2026, marks forty years of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), and in March the LHDA Chief Executive launched the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the LHWP; a key milestone that celebrates the longevity of one of Southern Africa’s most successful binational collaboration, between the kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of South Africa.
This year reflects on four decades of partnership, development, and shared vision.
From its inception, the LHWP has stood as an ambitious venture carrying the collective aspirations of the people of Lesotho and South Africa.
Four decades later, it is with both pride and humility to recognise this Project as one of the nation’s most transformative achievements.
Phase I delivered iconic infrastructure, such as the Katse Dam, ’Muela Hydropower Station, Mohale Dam, and associated transfer and delivery tunnels, which firmly established a legacy of engineering excellence.
This success demonstrated that when technical capability is reinforced by strong governance and meaningful community partnerships, largescale infrastructure of global significance can be realised.
Through Phase I, a strong foundation was established one that enabled seamless progression into the implementation of Phase II.
Guided by the LHWP Treaty mandate to transfer water to South Africa, generate hydropower for Lesotho, and safeguard the livelihoods and development of Project communities and the nations of both countries, the LHDA and its service providers moved forward with renewed momentum.
Under Phase II, this commitment has materialised in the construction of the Polihali Dam, the Polihali–Katse Water Transfer Tunnel, and extensive supporting infrastructure. This includes an integrated network of greenfield and brownfield roads—such as the Polihali Western Access Roads (PWAR) and the Polihali Northern Access Roads (PNEAR)—along with major bridges including the iconic Senqu, Khubelu, and Mabunyaneng bridges.
Significant environmental rehabilitation efforts and comprehensive social programmes have also been implemented. Together, these undertakings demonstrate an unwavering dedication to completing the Project, in line with the world-class technical, environmental, and social standards.
Over the past four decades, the LHWP has achieved:
- Worldclass infrastructure appreciated globally for its engineering excellence.
- Sustained water delivery that supports economic growth in South Africa.
- Reliable hydropower generation that has strengthened Lesotho’s energy portfolio.
- Robust environmental management initiatives, that ensured protection of wetland and rangelands resources, and biodiversity.
- Social programmes, that include compensation of beneficiary communities, livelihoods restoration programmes, public health investments, and overall community and social development initiatives.
- Transparent governance systems, which have delivered a model bi-lateral cooperation, upheld by the ethos of the Treaty, associated protocols, and the Phase II Agreement.
These achievements are the result of collective effort between the implementing authority, LHDA, communities and other key stakeholders, visionary leadership, stable governance structures and the unwavering commitment and support of Project principals to ensure the success of four decades of the LHWP.
In March, when he launched the 40th Anniversary celebration campaign, Mr Tente Tente honoured the individuals whose contributions have shaped and continue to sustain the LHWP.
“These are the dedicated men and women across the LHWP and the LHDA who, through their commitment and professionalism, have helped built a legacy that will endure for generations.
“Across all our project sites Katse, Mohale, ’Muela, Polihali, and Maseru we are supported by a team of tireless foot soldiers whose daily efforts have brought us to this remarkable milestone,” Tente said.
He also acknowledged the institutions and partners whose leadership has been central to the Project’s success.
The Lesotho Highlands Water Commission (LHWC) has provided strategic oversight and stewardship throughout the decades. The LHDA Board of Directors, past and present, has offered visionary leadership and governance foresight that continue to strengthen delivery of the LHWP.
Management and staff have carried the mandate forward with unwavering dedication, often under demanding conditions. Equally, consultants and contractors have contributed expertise and innovation that keep the Project at the forefront of engineering excellence. It is this collective commitment that makes the 40th Anniversary deeply meaningful and engaging.
The Chief Executive further extended heartfelt appreciation to the communities of Katse, Mohale, ‘Muela, and Polihali, and the commitment of local leadership structures.
“Over the years, we have built strong, respectful, and mutually beneficial relationships with our communities’ leadership structures, as these relationships have grounded us both in transparency, meaningful engagement, and mutually beneficial aspirations, that seek to elevate the livelihoods of our beneficiary communities.
“The cooperation and support of our beneficiary communities have ensured continuity in implementation of this Project, and this continued partnership has been essential to the successful delivery of Phase II. We are thankful and indebted to our host communities, for their resilience, patience, and your trust, in us as partners,” explained Mr Tente.
The four decades stand as testament to an exceptional diplomatic achievement in regional collaboration through the unwavering support and leadership of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Kingdom of Lesotho and its partner ministry, the Department of Water and Sanitation of the Republic of South Africa. Their continued guidance has anchored the Project’s stability and ensured that shared objectives remain aligned across both nations.
Through the oversight of the LHWC and the governance provided by the LHDA Board of Directors, the Treaty has remained a living instrument; one that continues to guide the LHDA in upholding the Project’s core mandate: securing water for South Africa, generating hydropower for Lesotho, and delivering socioeconomic benefits for the people of both countries.
He said everyone has contributed immensely to preserving the LHWP as a lasting solution to shared water challenges, a key economic driver delivering tangible value to both nations, and an iconic example of developmental cooperation within Southern Africa.
“As we begin the celebrations of 40 years of the LHWP, let us also look ahead with renewed purpose. Phase II is well underway, and its successful delivery will reaffirm our shared commitment to development, sustainability, and regional collaboration.”
The next chapter of the LHWP will build on the legacy of the past four decades, guided by innovation, strengthened by partnership, and inspired by the aspirations of the people of Lesotho and South Africa.
The LHDA has invited all stakeholders to join hands over the next few months as it reflects on the 40th Anniversary, to celebrate the achievements, honour those who made them possible, and recommit to the vision that has carried the LHWP from its earliest days to this historic moment.
“To forty years of excellence, and to many more years of progress, partnership, and prosperity.”
