The Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Mohlomi Moleko, has announced the winning name for the second Polihali Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) during an event held in Malingoaneng, Mokhotlong on Monday.

Mr. Moleko said the TBM has been named “Leboborane la Monyokola Thita,” a name proposed by Grade 11 student Malira Chefa from St. Paul High School in Botha-Bothe. Chefa received a first prize of M12,500, while her school was awarded M37,500.

The second prize was awarded to Fikile Mpopo from St. Catherine's High School in Maseru, who proposed the name “Leboborane la Loti.” She received M7,500, with her school earning M22,500.

Karabo Selebalo of Holy Family High School in Leribe secured third prize, receiving M5,000, while the school was awarded M15,000.

The prizes were presented during the TBM naming and launch ceremony by Mr. Moleko. Mokhotlong District Education Manager, Mr. Nts’upuoa Lephoto, received the awards on behalf of the schools. Mr. Moleko noted that the event also marked the 40th anniversary of the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA).

The Polihali transfer tunnel, which spans 38 kilometres, will convey water from Polihali Dam to Katse Dam before it is transferred to South Africa.

The event was attended by South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mrs. Pemmy Majodina, and her delegation. Also present were former Deputy Prime Minister and long-serving Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Monyane Moleleki, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Members of Parliament from Mokhotlong, LHDA officials, contractors, consultants, local chiefs and members of the community.