Lesotho Highlands Development Authority

RESETTLEMENT VILLAGES TAKING SHAPE

Construction work on resettlement housing and village infrastructure for households affected by Phase II construction activities is progressing steadily.

Currently, 84 households from Tloha-Re-Bue, Masakong and Ha Tlhakoa are being resettled within the site establishment area, while work for 15 households from Tsekong is also progressing well.

Progress includes:

📍 Tloha-Re-Bue
🏠 45 houses under construction
🏫 A preschool
⛪ A church

📍 Masakong
🏠 13 houses under construction
🏫 A preschool
🏛️ A community hall

📍 Tsekong (Lilimala)
🏠 18 houses under construction
✅ 14 already roofed

Water supply systems are also being improved at Makalong and Ramonakalali to support relocated households and strengthen water reliability for communities.

The construction programme is expected to be completed in 2027.

This year as we commemorate the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought under the theme "Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.", we are proud to share some of our initiatives around the Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

Rangelands play a pivotal role in food security, water circles, climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.

LHDA Successfully Concludes Mini Stakeholder Conferences

The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) has concluded its Mini Stakeholder Conferences, with the final engagement taking place at the Mohale Project Site Foothills on 12 June 2026.

As part of LHDA’s 40th anniversary celebrations, the conferences created an opportunity for communities, traditional leaders, government representatives, and stakeholders to engage directly with LHDA on progress, priorities, and opportunities for continued collaboration.

Discussions focused on community development, livelihood restoration, rangeland conservation, and project implementation.

Stakeholders shared important feedback on project progress, communication, and service delivery, while also recognising LHDA’s efforts in conservation, temporary employment creation, and community support.

LHDA Chief Executive, Mr Tente Tente, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to ongoing engagement and confirmed that LHDA will return in August 2026 to provide updates and respond to matters raised.

Together, we continue building stronger communities and sustainable futures.

From kicking off mini stakeholders conferences nationally to a bold call-to-action on Rangeland Day, stay updated with developments and comemmorations from Project Pulse's May Edition, courtesy of Africa's Changemakers!

Download link in the comments:

SENQU BRIDGE | CELEBRATING INNOVATION, SUSTAINABILITY AND CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE

LHDA proudly celebrates the WRES Joint Venture’s 2026 Infrastructure Project of the Year award for its work on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project at the Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards ceremony held at Gallagher Estates on 10 June.

The Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards celebrate excellence across the engineering, architecture and construction sectors. Nominees are evaluated by an independent panel of experts from prominent industry bodies such as the South African Institution of Civil
Engineering (SAICE) and Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA).

2026 marks the 40 th anniversary of the signing of the LHWP Treaty, a proud moment in the history of the project and the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority.

A few weeks ago, LHDA celebrated another important milestone at the Polihali Dam as rockfill placement reached elevation 2020, marking continued progress on Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

The project is steadily moving toward planned inundation in 2027, with construction activities progressing across several key areas of the dam.

So far, 9.1 million cubic metres of rock have been placed, bringing rockfill works to approximately 65% completion, while the overall dam construction is now 45% complete.

Work continues on major infrastructure including the intake tower, spillway, outlet tunnel, saddle dam and concrete face slab construction.

The project also continues to maintain a strong safety record, with zero fatalities recorded to date.

Once completed, the Polihali Dam will strengthen regional water security and contribute to long-term economic benefits for Lesotho.

LHDA 2026 Stakeholder Mini-Conference Series arrives at Katse

Following ‘Muela and Polihali, LHDA continued its stakeholder engagements at Katse Operations Branch.
The session focused on community impact: water supplied to 107 villages, jobs for unskilled labour, skills training, roads maintenance around Katse Dam, livelihood projects, and environmental conservation programs.

The team shared updates on issues raised last year as LHDA reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and people-centred engagement.The team gave stakeholders updates on every issue raised, as LHDA doubled down on accountability and putting people first.

Tomorrow, the conversations continue with the Matsoku/Lejone communities as we carry the same spirit forward.
Each engagement, from ‘Muela to Polihali to Katse, is building momentum toward the main 2026 National Stakeholder Conference in October, where we’ll mark 40 Years of the LHWP together with the people it serves.

2026 is a year of remarkable milestones for Lesotho. As the Lesotho Highlands Water Project marks 40 years and Lesotho celebrates 60 years of independence, the nation is also blessed to celebrate a far more personal treasure, Her Majesty Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso, who turns 50 on the 2nd of June.

A devoted champion of Basotho women, children, and communities. On this joyful occasion, LHDA joins the nation in honouring Her Majesty and wishing her many more years of health, happiness, and continued impact.

LHDA today continued its 2026 Stakeholder Mini-Conference Series at Polihali, following the successful kick-off at ‘Muela.

The session focused on key community matters including complaints management, labour recruitment transparency, compensation payments, environmental conservation, and livelihoods improvement initiatives.

Stakeholders also received updates on Phase II progress from newly appointed Polihali Branch Manager, Ms. Palesa Monongoaha, with discussions reinforcing LHDA’s commitment to transparent, people-centred engagement.

The next session takes place this Friday at Katse as LHDA continues building toward the 2026 National Stakeholder Conference and the commemoration of 40 Years of the LHWP.