R2.4bn bridge links Lesotho and South Africa

The completion of the Senqu Bridge in Lesotho’s Mokhotlong district has been hailed as a landmark achievement for regional water security and economic cooperation between Lesotho and South Africa.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni confirmed that the bridge, the largest of three major crossings under Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, is now operational.

The R2.4 billion structure is not merely a feat of engineering; it is a vital lifeline for the region. Standing 90 metres above the valley floor and stretching nearly a kilometre in length, the bridge is designed to keep remote communities connected once the Polihali Reservoir begins to fill.

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project is a decades-old treaty-based partnership, established in 1986, designed to solve two problems at once: South Africa’s thirst and Lesotho’s need for infrastructure and energy.

Under the agreement, Lesotho provides bulk water to South Africa’s industrial heartland, Gauteng, via the Vaal Water system. In return, South Africa pays approximately R3.8 billion in annual royalties to Lesotho’s national treasury. Ms Ntshavheni noted that the project ensures Gauteng has access to bulk water while Lesotho generates hydropower and supports irrigation, fisheries, and tourism.

The Senqu Bridge is considered the crown jewel of Phase II. Measuring 825 metres in length and rising 90 metres above the river valley, it represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the region to date.

Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa joined Lesotho’s King Letsie III at the site, describing the bridge as a testament to the deep-seated relationship between the two nations. Beyond the concrete and steel, South Africa has funded hundreds of kilometres of roads to open up Lesotho’s rugged interior and improve access to remote dam sites.

Despite the celebratory tone of the launch, the project comes at a time of heightened anxiety over water in South Africa. Last week, President Ramaphosa issued a stern warning to local authorities, demanding urgent, coordinated action to address a domestic water crisis. While massive projects like the Senqu Bridge secure the supply of water, crumbling municipal infrastructure in South African cities means much of that water is lost to leaks before it reaches the tap.

For the residents of Mokhotlong, however, the bridge represents a more immediate victory. It guarantees continued access to the Sani Pass and the outside world, regardless of how high the new reservoir waters rise.