Arrival of TBM marks milestone in LHWP II

. . . local logistics firm contracted to transport complex machine

MOSA MAOENG

BUTHA-BUTHE – History was made this week in Lesotho. In a significant milestone for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Phase II, the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) this week welcomed the cutter head, which is the first of two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) destined for the project. The ceremonial event, held at the Caledonspoort Border Post in Butha-Buthe on Wednesday, marked a pivotal step forward in the construction of the Polihali Transfer Tunnel, a crucial component of Phase II.

The arrival of the TBM signals the beginning of a highly anticipated phase in the project, designed to enhance water transfer capacity between Lesotho and South Africa.

This tunnel, once completed, will be 38 kilometres long, connecting the Katse and Polihali dams, ensuring a reliable water supply to the Gauteng province in South Africa, while also boosting hydropower generation in Lesotho.  The project has been heralded as a vital development for both countries, especially in the face of increasing water scarcity. The cutter head, a significant part of the TBM, arrived in Lesotho after a long journey from Shanghai, China.

After departing Shanghai on July 30, the TBM components reached the Durban harbour on August 24, where they encountered a slight delay due to heavy maritime traffic caused by adverse weather conditions. However, this did not dampen the excitement surrounding the arrival of the TBM in Lesotho. During the welcome ceremony, the Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, emphasised the importance of this event, stating that it marked the beginning of an essential completion phase of the LHWP Phase II.  “The arrival of this TBM signifies the commencement of the boring of the tunnel that will connect Katse and Polihali dams,” Moleko said.

He expressed optimism about the project’s impact, noting that the TBM would soon reach Ha Bereng, in Katse, where it would be assembled over two months before boring operations could begin. “The treaty signed between Lesotho and South Africa in 1986 remains as relevant today as ever,” Moleko added, addressing the South African High Commissioner in attendance.

“This partnership has always been about more than just water. It is about improving livelihoods, promoting peace, and fostering a good relationship between our nations. “Through the LHDA, the Ministry of Natural Resources has a clear mission: to extend the benefits of this project to Basotho by creating opportunities for economic growth, education, and overall livelihood improvement.”

The arrival of the TBM is also expected to bring tangible benefits to the local community. Moleko said the LHDA had introduced contractors who would undertake major works, including the construction of the Polihali dam, the tunnel connecting the two dams, and three significant bridges over the Senqu, Mabunyaneng, and Khubelu rivers.

These infrastructure projects are not only critical for the success of the water project but are also seen as opportunities to uplift local communities by creating jobs and improving access to essential services.

“One of our expectations is to ensure that LHDA’s work benefits Basotho,” Moleko continued. “This is not just about water. It’s about ensuring that our people see real, lasting benefits from this project.” LHDA Chief Executive Officer, Tente Tente described the TBM’s arrival as a key development in the project. Unlike traditional drilling methods, the use of a TBM represents a modern, efficient approach to tunnelling.

The machine will excavate rock beneath the earth’s surface, boring through challenging terrain with precision and speed.

Tente outlined the journey of the TBM from China to Lesotho, highlighting that it had been shipped in components, with the cutter head alone requiring 15 abnormal trucks to transport it to the project site.

“The TBM will be 423 metres in length and is designed to increase the pace of work significantly,” he said. “Currently, the excavation pace is only 3.7 metres per day, but once the TBM is fully operational, this will increase to 20 metres per day, dramatically accelerating progress.” The assembly of the TBM will take approximately two months, after which the machine will begin the critical task of boring the tunnel from the Katse side.

The second TBM, which will excavate from the Polihali side, is expected to arrive at the beginning of 2025, ensuring that work on both sides progresses concurrently.

Mpho Brown, LHDA’s Public Relations Manager, explained that the TBM was designed by the consultant group Metsi, a Senqu-Khubeli Consultant (MSKC).  After the design phase, the machine was built in China, representing an international collaboration aimed at delivering a world-class solution to the project’s engineering challenges.

Brown also highlighted the local involvement in the project, noting that the contractor responsible for transporting the TBM to Lesotho is a Mosotho-owned company called Primate Logistics, which subcontracted a South African firm for additional support.  “This collaboration between local and international expertise is a testament to the commitment to ensuring that this project benefits both Lesotho and South Africa,” he said.

He added that the TBM would be used exclusively for this project and that, once the boring work was complete, the machine would no longer be functional. “By the time the TBM has finished its work, it will need to be discarded, as it will have completed its purpose.” In a creative twist, the LHDA has also launched a naming competition for the TBM. The public has been invited to suggest names for the machine, with the winning suggestion earning exciting prizes and recognition at the official naming ceremony when the TBM enters Lesotho.

As work on the LHWP Phase II continues, the arrival of the TBM marks a significant moment in the project’s timeline. With an expected completion date in the financial year 2028-2029, and a budget of M53 billion, the LHWP Phase II is set to transform water infrastructure in the region, providing long-term benefits to both Lesotho and South Africa.