| Large dams


the LHDA’s Polihali branch and consultant offices, the Polihali Commercial Centre and Visitors Centre have been constructed alongside bulk services for contractors’ camps and labour accommodations. These facilities are designed with sustainability in mind, ensuring they can be repurposed for community use once construction concludes. The newly constructed Polihali Lodge will also contribute immensely to tourism in the project area. Slated to begin operations towards the end of 2025, the lodge was completed alongside the Polihali Commercial Centre which will soon host retail businesses, benefiting local communities. Telecommunications and power supply systems


were expanded as part of the advance infrastructure works. These utilities serve not only the immediate needs of the project but also improve connectivity and energy access for surrounding areas, fostering development and modernising rural communities. A 94.2km network of feeder roads, four pedestrian bridges ranging in length between 250m and 750m, and six vehicle bridges with lengths between 72m and 422m, will replace access routes disrupted by the reservoir, ensuring that local residents retain mobility and access to vital resources. This commitment to preserving community connectivity underscores the LHWP’s focus on sustainable development. By integrating these infrastructure projects into the


broader scope of the LHWP, the project aims to deliver long-term socio-economic benefits that extend far beyond water transfer and hydropower generation. As Phase II progresses, it is clear that the project is as much about empowering communities as it is about engineering excellence.


Connecting the Polihali and Katse


reservoirs The Polihali reservoir plays a pivotal role in ensuring consistent water flow between the Polihali and Katse reservoirs, enabling reliable hydropower generation and water delivery to South Africa. This strategic infrastructure not only supports regional economic


growth but also reinforces bilateral cooperation between Lesotho and South Africa. Water stored in the 5,053ha Polihali reservoir will be transferred via a 38km gravity tunnel to the Katse reservoir. From there, the water flows through existing infrastructure, including tunnels and the Muela Hydropower Station, before reaching South Africa’s Gauteng region –an industrial hub that accounts for nearly 60% of South Africa’s GDP. This seamless connection ensures an incremental increase in water supply from the current 780 million m3 1,270 million m3


annually, meeting growing demands


for domestic, agricultural and industrial use. For Lesotho, the interconnected system bolsters


hydropower capability. The Muela Hydropower Station, which was constructed during Phase I, will see the energy generated increase as the additional water provided by the Polihali infrastructure passes through its turbines. In addition, this increase in energy production will be complemented by the planned Oxbow Hydropower Scheme. Working as a peak plant for approximately seven hours per day, Oxbow’s 80MW capacity will add to ‘Muela’s installed capacity of 72MW. This integration highlights the benefits of the LHWP: revenue generation from water royalties and reduced reliance on imported energy for Lesotho, and enhanced water security for South Africa. By linking the Polihali and Katse reservoirs, the LHWP exemplifies innovative transboundary water management, balancing technical excellence with mutual benefits. As construction progresses, the project underscores the importance of shared resources in fostering sustainable development across borders.


Conclusion As construction progresses toward its expected


completion in 2028/29, the Polihali Dam stands as a testament to what can be achieved through innovative engineering, international cooperation, and a vision for sustainable development. It is not just a dam; it is a catalyst for regional transformation.


www.waterpowermagazine.com | September 2025 | 47


Above: Polihali dam Image by Henk Labuschagne


per year to over


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