Botha-Bothe ____ Lesotho marked a significant milestone on Wednesday in the construction of Phase II of the Lesotho Highland Water Project (LHWP) by welcoming one of two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) into the country.

The TBM was received at the Caledonspoort border post this morning by the Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Mohlomi Moleko, alongside Her Excellency, South African High Commissioner Ms. Constance Seoposengwe, LHDA Chief Executive Mr. Tente Tente, members of the LHDA Board of Directors, and representatives from the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission (LHWC).

Speaking at the welcoming ceremony held at the border, Mr. Tente highlighted the significance of the event, stating, "Today marks a historic moment for Lesotho." He explained that the machine departed Shanghai, China, on July 30, 2024, and arrived at Durban Harbor on August 27, 2024.

"The machine arrived in parts, transported on multiple trucks. A total of 97 trucks—64 large trucks, 13 abnormal load trucks, and 33 standard trucks—will be used to deliver each machine to its final destination at Katse," he added.

Upon assembly, the TBM will measure 423 meters in length and will be used to bore the underground tunnel. "We have two machines, but due to project delays, we decided to bring one first to expedite the construction process. Traditional tunnel boring methods involving explosives and trucks typically cover only 3.7 meters per day, but with the TBM, we can achieve 20 meters per day," Mr. Tente explained.

He also mentioned a competition to name the two TBMs, with the winners to be announced 50-60 days after the machine is fully assembled.

Her Excellency Ms. Seoposengwe praised the LHDA for successfully delivering the equipment, which she described as critical to the success of the project. She commended the collaborative efforts of both countries, despite the delays encountered.

"Our relationship is not limited to this project; the two countries share a long history, marked by both difficult and joyful times. The TBM will work faster than traditional drilling methods, and every day and every second from now on must count," she said.

Ms. Seoposengwe emphasized the importance of completing the project by 2028 within budget while ensuring high quality and minimizing the impact on local communities and the environment.

Minister Moleko added that the machine is expected to reach Ha Bereng in Katse within two days, where it will begin the tunnelling process. He stated that this event reaffirms the continued relevance of the 1986 LHWP treaty, which aims to enhance the lives of people in both countries and promote peace and stability.

The second TBM is scheduled to arrive in Lesotho early next year.

The milestone celebration was marked by a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony at the border, marking the official entry of the trucks carrying the TBM parts.