US EditionLesotho Launches Senqu Bridge to Expand Water Exports to South Africa
The 825-meter bridge will help nearly double water exports to South Africa and create about 1,200 jobs, officials said.
- On Thursday this week, Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane and South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the Senqu Bridge, an 825-meter structure anchoring the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
- Established by a 1986 treaty between the two countries, the project currently channels water through over 120 kilometers of tunnels; its second phase is estimated for completion between 2028 and 2029.
- Construction of the bridge created about 1,200 jobs for residents, while the expanded infrastructure aims to increase annual water exports to more than 1,270 billion cubic meters.
- South Africa relies on Lesotho for 60% of the water used in Gauteng, including Johannesburg, providing vital royalties to a nation where half the population lives in poverty.
- Matekane emphasized the project must "deepen impact on the people," yet Lesotho faces an economic emergency with about 30% unemployment, worsened by United States trade tariffs of up to 50%.
17 Articles
17 Articles
New mega-bridge in Lesotho to double water exports to South Africa
Every time someone in Johannesburg drinks a glass of water, there is a 60% chance it comes from neighbouring Lesotho. Now, a newly built bridge will help the tiny mountain kingdom nearly double those exports.
Associated Press News
New bridge helps cement Lesotho as water lifeline for South Africa’s economic hub
A newly built bridge in Lesotho is set to nearly double its water exports to South Africa. The Senqu Bridge, launched this week, is part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
A community reckoning on the Senqu Bridge launch on 22 April 2026 – The Mail & Guardian
On 22 April 2026, King Letsie III of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Honourable Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa will meet in Mokhotlong to officiate and co-launch the opening of the Senqu Bridge, an 825m extradosed cable-stayed structure rising 90m above the valley floor, constructed at an estimated cost of R2.4 billion and widely celebrated as the largest and most technically ambitious bridge ever built i…
Historic Senqu Bridge Launch Strengthens South Africa–Lesotho Ties
Mokhotlong – President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the Senqu Bridge as a milestone in the longstanding collaboration between South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho. The towering symbol of unity and progress was unveiled on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, by President Cyril Ramaphosa, King Letsie III, and Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane. Rising more than 2 500 metres above sea level, the Senqu Bridg is one of the most ambitious infrastructu…
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