The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority has appointed a range of engineering experts to a panel for Phase two of the Lesotho highlands water project.

The external panel of experts will provide technical reviews and expertise on the major works of phase two of the project.

According to the LHDA, all of the experts are highly respected in and have earned international esteem for their specific expertise.

Minimising errors

“The panel members hail from as far afield as the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States and Australia,” notes Tente Tente, LHDA Phase II Divisional Manager.

“All are highly respected and have earned international esteem for their specific expertise. Their combined knowledge covers tunnelling, bridges, concrete faced rockfill dams (CFRD), hydro-mechanical and geotechnical engineering, grouting and construction,” he continues.

Tente adds that the LHDA’s appointment of the external panel of experts reflects its commitment to implementing Phase II to the highest quality and in accordance with internationally recognised standards to minimise the risk of engineering errors.

The LHDA also has an environmental Panel of Experts engaged to review social and environmental activities. This is to ensure that its implementation of social, environmental and public health programmes is in accordance with internationally recognised standards.

Water and electricity security

The Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project builds on the successful completion of Phase I in 2003. Once completed Phase II will increase the current supply rate of 780 million cubic metres per annum incrementally to more than 1 270 million cubic metres per annum for the water supplied to the Gauteng region of South Africa.

At the same time the completion of the project will increase the quantity of electricity generated in Lesotho and is a further step in the process of securing an independent electricity source to meet Lesotho’s domestic requirements.