Noise overlay
Contact us
search
Menu
Menu
search

Lesotho Highlands Water Project

Transforming water into power and progress.

Client

Lesotho Highlands Water Commission (LHWC)

Project date

1986 to present

The multibillion-rand Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is one of the largest ongoing development projects in the world and a celebrated African success story. Since its inception over 60 years ago, Zutari has contributed to feasibility studies, design, and construction supervision, helping deliver world-class infrastructure that improves livelihoods in Lesotho while supplying water to South Africa.
Lesotho-Highlands-Water-Project-1

The opportunity

In 1986, the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of South Africa signed a treaty to harness the water resources of the Lesotho Highlands. The goal: supply water to South Africa and generate renewable hydropower for Lesotho, fostering peaceful cooperation and long-term socio-economic benefits across the region.

What we did

Phase 1 of the LHWP involved constructing major water transfer and hydropower infrastructure, including the iconic Katse Dam and tunnels. Zutari contributed across multiple stages:

  • Conducted Phase 1 feasibility studies and detailed design.

  • Supervised construction of key infrastructure, including Katse Dam and all tunnels.

  • Undertook a subsequent feasibility study to identify further development options.

  • Recommended the Polihali Dam and transfer tunnel for implementation.

  • Currently, Zutari is engaged in the design and construction supervision of the Polihali Dam diversion tunnels, Polihali transfer tunnel, and Polihali major bridges.


Our work has helped navigate the technical complexity of building in mountainous terrain while ensuring environmental and social sustainability.
The Katse Dam, a towering feat of engineering, channels water from the Senqu River to South Africa, powering progress and partnership across borders.

The outcome

The project delivers immediate construction opportunities, long-term renewable energy, and sustainable socio-economic benefits. Lesotho continues to receive royalties from South Africa for the water transferred, with annual revenue set to increase as the Polihali Dam comes online, boosting supply from 780 Mm³/a to over 1 270 Mm³/a. Comprehensive social and environmental mitigation ensures the project’s benefits extend beyond engineering.

As the LHWP continues to evolve, it remains a shining example of what visionary planning, technical excellence, and regional partnership can achieve. Zutari is proud to contribute to a legacy that uplifts communities, strengthens economies, and secures vital resources for generations to come.
Lesotho-Highlands-Water-Project-big-1

More than a dam or tunnel, the LHWP is a legacy of collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development that continues to transform lives across borders.

*The Aurecon Africa business has been officially renamed Zutari as at 21 July 2020.

Zutari acquired Aurecon Middle East on 20 November 2020.

Related projects

Co-creating globally impactful projects that drive sustainable growth and reframe what’s possible.

view all projects
view all projects
Qatar Pavilion
Olifants River Bridge
144 Oxford Road
Securing-Water-and-Wildlife-A-Sustainable-Future-for-Barrydale-Featured
Securing water and wildlife: A sustainable future for Barrydale

Want to
see more?

View All Projects
View All Projects

Want to
see more?

View All Projects
View All Projects
zutari-logo-light
Contact
Contact
terms of service
Privacy Policy
Governance