The pre-qualification for the construction of the main works on Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is expected to start in Jan 2019 according to the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency (LHDA).

The agency is calling for expressions of interest for the construction of the 165m high Polihali Dam and the 38km long Polihali Transfer Tunnel.

Tente Tente, Phase II Divisional Manager says he expects this announcement to attract the interest of major engineering and construction companies, and the agency is encouraging suitably experienced contractors to join forces with local contractors and apply.

A busy year

“While the project is behind the timelines proposed in the Feasibility Report, given the two-year deferred start, Phase II is stepping ahead purposefully with 2018 having been a busy year for the both the water transfer and hydropower components,”  Tente notes.

More than 35 contracts are in force covering a range of activities from environmental impact assessments, to socio-economic and resettlement projects and hydropower feasibility and advance infrastructure projects.

According to the LHDA resettlement planning is nearing completion and livelihood restoration demonstration projects have started in the project area.

Great strides  

“Advance infrastructure construction has started and is expected to be largely completed by 2020 before the dam and tunnel construction commences. In all, we’re confident that 2019 will see Phase II taking great strides with activities on the ground evident to all,” Tente concludes.

The prequalification documents will include requirements for participation by Lesotho and South Africa national contractors, in accordance with the terms of the Phase II Agreement and the project’s commitment to ensuring local participation.

It will be advertised on the LHDA website and in local print media.