King Letsie III says the unveiling of Senqu Bridge in Mokhotlong district represents more than a remarkable piece of infrastructure; it is a celebration of vision, partnership, and shared purpose between South Africa and Lesotho.
Officially opening the bridge this week, he recalled that when South Africa and Lesotho embarked on Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), they understood that they were not merely constructing structures of concrete and steel, but rather building a bridge of opportunities that connect communities, strengthen regional integration and cooperation, and advance economic growth for the two countries.
He urged contractors of Phase II of the LHWP to ensure it remains on course and implemented in accordance with the letter and spirit of the 1986 Water Treaty.
“In doing so, we will set new benchmarks for excellence, strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation, and contribute to building a more resilient and integrated Southern African economy,” His Majesty noted.
For his part, President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa said the Senqu Bridge is a milestone in the two countries’ longstanding collaboration and a testament to the deep-seated relationship between them.
He stated that together with the two other bridges being constructed to span the Polihali reservoir, it will improve travel across this part of the country, making transport easier and cheaper for communities, businesses and visitors.
“This bridge tells a story of determination in the face of complexity as the project has experienced a number of challenges. However, the project team stayed focused. It has worked to ensure that no affected communities and no households are left worse off by this construction,” Ramaphosa said, adding that this reflects a shared commitment to development that is inclusive, fair and humane.
He also indicated that the LHWP is one of the most ambitious and successful transboundary water projects in the world. It is also the largest investment South Africa has ever made outside its borders.
The official opening of the Senqu Bridge is another signal of the strong bilateral relationship between his country and Lesotho.
“Being here is a reminder of how impressive the evolution of this kingdom has been since the courageous King Moshoeshoe ascended Thaba Bosiu Mountain and founded this great nation.
“The South African people will never forget the sacrifices Basotho made in contributing to our own freedom,” Ramaphosa said.
He pledged that South Africans and Basotho would forever be bound together, shaped by a common destiny, grounded in history, geography, language and culture.
He added: “Guided by the spirit of Pan Africanism, South-South cooperation and solidarity, we are forging ahead to realise the vision of an economically integrated Africa as espoused by the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“As a reaffirmation of our desire to further deepen cooperation, I am pleased to announce that South Africa will provide humanitarian assistance to the Kingdom of Lesotho to the value of R30 million from our African Renaissance Fund.”
These fund will help Lesotho to strengthen its national response to HIV and tuberculosis in the context of dwindling levels of international humanitarian assistance.
Ramaphosa also stated that as the current interim Chair of SADC and Chair later this year, South Africa will continue to promote and champion regional initiatives to accelerate trade, investment and integration and to deepen people-to-people links.
He expressed delight that the finalisation of the LHWP is within sight, calling on all implementing agencies, contractors and oversight structures to complete the Polihali Dam and Tunnel on time, within budget and to the highest standards.
For his part, Prime Minister Sam Matekane said the government has directed the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority to honour its resettlement and livelihood restoration commitments on time and in full.
In his remarks, Chief Executive LHDA Tente Tente said one of the project’s objectives is to enhance the livelihoods of South Africa and Lesotho.
It also aims to promote traditional and good neighbourly relations, regional peace, prosperity and cooperation, as well as equitable sharing of water resources, he explained.
Principal Chief of Mokhotlong, Lerotholi Mathealira Seeiso, said there should be a livelihood masterplan to transform the lives of people around the area.
“We now going to be surrounded by water and that is a new life altogether, and therefore we need to prepare ourselves,” he noted.
The Senqu Bridge stands as a defining symbol of the enduring partnership between Lesotho and South Africa under the LHWP. It is an extradosed structure. At 825 metres, it surpasses the Mphorosane bridge on the Malibamatšo river, itself a Phase I LHWP structure, as the country’s longest bridge.
The Senqu Bridge is the largest of three major bridges under construction in Phase II to span the Polihali Reservoir.
