South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho will on Wednesday 22 April 2026 officially open the Senqu Bridge in Mokhotlong, Lesotho. The event marks a major milestone in one of the most ambitious binational water and infrastructure projects on the continent.
On Wednesday 22 April 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa will travel to Mokhotlong in the Kingdom of Lesotho to join King Letsie III and Prime Minister Samuel Matekane for the official opening of the Senqu Bridge. The ceremony represents a powerful symbol of the deep and enduring partnership between the two nations.
The Senqu Bridge is a cornerstone of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), one of Africa’s largest and most successful binational infrastructure programmes. Established under the 1986 Treaty between South Africa and Lesotho, the project delivers water to South Africa while generating hydropower for Lesotho.
A Bridge That Will Change Lives
At approximately 825 metres long and 90 metres high, the Senqu Bridge is the largest of three major bridges being built to span the future Polihali Reservoir. It replaces an existing bridge that will be submerged once the dam is impounded. The new structure will guarantee uninterrupted access to Mokhotlong, Sani Pass and surrounding communities, even as water levels rise.
Beyond connectivity, the bridge supports broader development goals: it will facilitate the transfer of high-quality water to South Africa, generate hydropower for Lesotho, and open up new opportunities for tourism, irrigation, fisheries and local economic activity.
Strategic Importance for Both Countries
Phase II of the LHWP will increase water transfer from 780 million to 1 270 billion cubic metres per annum. For South Africa, this means greater water security for Gauteng and other provinces facing growing demand. For Lesotho, it means boosted hydropower output and reduced reliance on imported electricity.
The project is widely regarded as a model of successful regional cooperation. It demonstrates how two neighbouring countries can work together on shared infrastructure to deliver mutual benefits that last for generations.
On-the-Ground Preparations
Ahead of the presidential launch, South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina and her Lesotho counterpart Minister Mohlomi Moleko will on Monday 20 April unveil a state-of-the-art Tunnel Boring Machine. The machine will be used to drill the 38-kilometre tunnel that will connect the Polihali and Katse reservoirs — another critical component of Phase II.
President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister Majodina, Deputy Minister David Mahlobo and Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes.
Event Programme
The official launch will take place in two parts on 22 April 2026 at the Senqu Bridge site in Mokhotlong:
• 11h00 – Ribbon cutting and walkabout by the principals
• 12h45 – Formal programme at the sports field near the bridge
A Story of Regional Unity
The Senqu Bridge is more than concrete and steel. It is a physical link between two nations that have worked side by side for decades to turn a shared vision into reality. Its completion is a reminder that when African countries collaborate on bold infrastructure projects, the benefits flow far beyond borders.
For communities in Mokhotlong and beyond, the bridge will bring safer travel, new economic opportunities and a stronger sense of connection. For South Africa and Lesotho, it stands as living proof of what is possible when neighbours build together.
