By Majirata Latela
Following the heavy rains that caused destruction at the Senqu River where Polihali dam is being constructed, it has emerged that the Polihali diversion works are back underway.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, said the temporary bridge which provides access across the Senqu River to the construction site was overtopped and the embankments were damaged. There was flooding in the tunnels.
The contractor is dewatering the two diversion tunnels. The bridge embankments have been reinstated and access restored.
However, LHDA indicates that the full extent of the damage will be known once the dewatering exercise is complete.
“Overall, there was no significant flood damage at the other construction sites which include access roads, transmission line construction and civil works.
“All the main access roads under construction were still passable. These are the Polihali Western Access Road (PWAR) from Ha Seshote to Polihali and the Polihali North Eastern Access Road (PNEAR) which connects Polihali to Mapholaneng, and the Northern Access Road (NAR) between Leribe and the Katse village. No flooding was reported along these routes and construction activity on the roads and other construction sites continued without interruption,” the statement reads.
