Trade unions have welcomed this week’s return of 1,600 workers to the Polihali Transfer Tunnel project, operated by Kopano Ke Matla Joint Venture (KKMJV), after a three-week suspension due to environmental compliance concerns.
The affected workers, stationed at both Katse and Polihali sites, had been temporarily suspended following the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority’s (LHDA) findings of non-compliance related to wastewater treatment at the tunnel construction sites.
Speaking to theReporter, on Wednesday this week, the secretary general of the Construction, Mining, Quarrying and Allied Workers Union (CMQ&A), Robert Mokhahlane, said they welcomed the resumption but remain cautious about worker welfare.
He warned that blasting activities inside the tunnel pose potential health risks, such as exposure to harmful bacteria.
“Our priority remains the health and safety of the workers, particularly in the tunnel where conditions have previously been poor. We hope the agreement between the workers and KKMJV will yield meaningful results, and that the contractor does what is right,” Mokhahlane said.
He noted that the union would continue monitoring the situation closely. “In my discussion with LHDA Public Relations Manager Mpho Brown, I was assured that LHDA will maintain oversight to ensure the contractor delivers on its commitments.”
Mokhahlane also stressed the critical role of the project consultant, Metsi a Senqu-Khubelu Consultant (MSKC), in overseeing health and safety conditions at the sites.
Previously, LHDA had said it was not satisfied with KKMJV’s initial responses regarding interim environmental safety measures, prompting the suspension.
However, the Secretary General of the Lesotho Workers’ Association, Hlalefang Seoaholimo, said during a joint inspection conducted last week, both MSKC and LHDA observed significant improvements.
Despite this, the suspension was not lifted immediately, causing widespread concern.
Seoaholimo highlighted the economic strain on local communities due to the work stoppage. “Transport operators who took out loans to shuttle workers are now struggling to make repayments, and food vendors suffered losses from spoiled inventory,” he said.
In a letter dated May 20, Seoaholimo detailed the interim solutions submitted by KKMJV to MSKC. These included:
- Replacement of filter cloths
- Installation of an oil separator
- Probe hole drilling to detect water ahead in the tunnel
- Deployment of process and chemical engineering specialists
The letter also outlined a timeline of submissions:
- May 14: First interim measures and engineers’ meeting
- May 15: Filter press system plan
- May 17: Status update and additional interim measures
- May 19: Combined interim and long-term sewage treatment plans
Based on this, Seoaholimo’s letter questioned what more was required for LHDA to lift the suspension, stating: “We believe the submitted interim solutions address the primary concerns unless indicated otherwise.”
Following approval of a remedial implementation plan, LHDA officially lifted the suspension on May 23.
In a public statement, LHDA confirmed that KKMJV had committed to meeting the necessary compliance measures and that tunnel construction activities resumed on May 25.
“The suspension, originally imposed on May 5, was a targeted and precautionary measure in response to non-compliance with wastewater treatment obligations,” the statement read. “The decision to lift it follows sustained engagement and the adoption of validated environmental safeguards,” it further noted.
LHDA emphasised that the suspension only affected tunnel-related operations, while other works across Katse and Polihali continued uninterrupted.
“This milestone reflects LHDA’s commitment to upholding environmental, health, and safety standards, and highlights the value of collaborative stakeholder engagement in addressing complex challenges,” the statement concluded.
