LHDA launches Polihali bargaining forum

A step to improve labour relations

RETHABILE MOHONO

MOKHOTLONG – In a significant move to promote fair labour practices at the Polihali Dam construction site, the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) has officially launched the Polihali Bargaining Forum.

This initiative aims to enhance communication, address disputes efficiently, and ensure a fair working environment for all involved.

The bargaining forum was launched at the LHDA Polihali Offices in Mokhotlong in collaboration with contractors and trade unions.

The newly established platform will serve as a negotiation and engagement mechanism, providing a structured space to discuss key labour issues such as wages, health and safety, and overall working conditions.

The introduction of the forum follows a series of worker grievances regarding poor working conditions and wage disagreements, which have led to frequent strikes and disruptions at the Polihali project site.

LHDA Project Management Unit recalled that in March 2024, workers raised concerns over their treatment by contractors. The persistent disputes impacted morale and slowed the progress of the multi-billion Maloti infrastructure project, a crucial component of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP).

Recognizing the urgent need for resolution, LHDA established the bargaining forum to foster open dialogue between contractors, worker representatives, and the authority itself. By promoting communication and cooperation, the forum aims to prevent disputes from escalating into industrial action, ensuring a smoother workflow at the construction site.

During the launch, Minister of Labour and Employment Tšeliso Mokhosi, underscored the Polihali project’s significance to Lesotho’s economic growth. He emphasized that thousands of Basotho workers depend on the project for their livelihoods.

Mokhosi highlighted the Labour Act, passed last year, which encourages collective bargaining among employers, workers, and trade unions to resolve labour disputes in a structured and legal manner.

“The successful completion of this project is crucial for our nation’s future. It is imperative that contractors and workers adhere to the Labour Act to maintain smooth operations,” Mokhosi said.

LHDA Chief Executive Officer, Tente Tente, reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to fair labour practices and good governance.

He noted that the Polihali project is designed to uplift the livelihoods of Basotho citizens and that unions play a key role in advocating for fair treatment of workers.

“The bargaining forum is a significant step towards a harmonious work environment. We believe that through open dialogue and structured engagement, we can minimize disputes, reduce industrial action, and ensure the timely completion of this critical project,” Tente said.

The LHDA expressed its gratitude to contractors, trade unions, and government ministries for their cooperation in launching the forum and developing its constitution. The forum will operate as a platform for ongoing negotiations, with LHDA participating as an observer in the discussions.

The success of this initiative will be closely watched, as stakeholders anticipate improved labour relations and a more collaborative approach to addressing workers’ concerns.

The Polihali Bargaining Forum is expected to set a precedent for fair labour practices within large-scale infrastructure projects in Lesotho, ensuring that worker rights and employer responsibilities remain balanced throughout the project’s duration.

With its commitment to responsible project management and labour relations, LHDA hopes that this initiative will foster a culture of transparency, cooperation, and mutual respect at the Polihali construction site.