Lesotho’s Giant Dam: Construction & Impact
- Construction of teh Polihali Dam in Lesotho is progressing, aiming to significantly increase water transfers to South Africa's Gauteng region.
- Approximately R18-billion (M18-billion) of the total R53-billion (M53-billion) budget has been spent to date.
- the dam is expected to increase annual water transfers to Gauteng from 780 million cubic metres to 1,270 million cubic metres.
Polihali Dam Project: Boosting Water supply to Gauteng
Table of Contents
Construction of teh Polihali Dam in Lesotho is progressing, aiming to significantly increase water transfers to South Africa’s Gauteng region.
Key Project Details
- Project Name: Polihali Dam (Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project)
- Location: Mokhotlong, Lesotho (confluence of the Senqu and Khubelu rivers)
- Purpose: Increase water supply to Gauteng, South Africa & boost electricity production in Lesotho.
- Current Completion: Approximately 30% of main dam works completed (as of July 2025).
- Senqu Bridge Completion: 86% complete.
- Reservoir Capacity: 2,325 million cubic metres
- Reservoir Area: Over 5,000 hectares
Financial Information
Approximately R18-billion (M18-billion) of the total R53-billion (M53-billion) budget has been spent to date.
impact on Water Supply
the dam is expected to increase annual water transfers to Gauteng from 780 million cubic metres to 1,270 million cubic metres.
Electricity Generation
Electricity production at Lesotho’s ‘muela hydropower plant is projected to increase from 500 GWh to 800 GWh per year.
Socio-Economic Impact
- Job Creation: Approximately 14,000 jobs created.
- Community Assets expropriated: Over 7,200
- Compensation Paid: M154-million for nearly 5,600 assets.
Environmental Management
The project is actively managing environmental impacts, including waste disposal:
| Waste Type | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Waste Oil | 20,500 litres |
| Hazardous Waste | Nearly 9,000 kilograms |
| Wastewater | Over 34,000 cubic metres |
| General Waste (to landfill) | More than 49 tonnes |
Challenges
- Compensation Delays: Frequently enough linked to documentation issues, family disputes, or lack of bank accounts.
- Beneficiary Relocation: Some beneficiaries have moved to South Africa for work, slowing down the compensation process.
The Polihali Dam represents a meaningful investment in regional water security and energy production, but also presents challenges related to community resettlement and environmental management.